Pollinators are directly responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food we take and in the U.S. they help produce nearly $20 billion in products annually. They are even responsible for sustaining the plants the provide half the worlds oils, fibers and other raw materials. This first photo is by Eleanor Linkkila of two Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies. The second photo is of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by V. Chase.
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Bees are incredible. They are the workhorses of pollination. But did you know scientists who study bees -- aka melittologists -- say there are about 372 different species of bees in southern New England. Many of them can only be differentiated through genetic testing. In addition to honey bees, we have a variety of bumble bees and sweat bees too. Unfortunately, many populations of our native bees are in decline. One thing we can all do is reduce our use of pesticides on our lawns and gardens.
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