20 Long Island Pollinators (and How to Attract Them)
Introduction:
In the diverse ecosystems of Long Island, pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of our natural landscapes. These essential creatures—ranging from native bees and butterflies to hummingbirds and moths—are integral to pollination, which is vital for the reproduction of many native plants and the foods we rely on.
Native plants are especially important. Adapted to local climate and soil conditions, they offer the most natural and nutritious nectar and pollen sources for local pollinators. By incorporating native species into our gardens, we create safe havens for these vital creatures, sustaining both pollinator populations and the broader ecosystems they support.
1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus)
Attracting Plants: Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed
Appearance: April – September
Role: Pollinates a wide variety of wildflowers and garden plants
2. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)
Attracting Plants: Milkweed (host), Blazing Star, Asters
Appearance: May – October
Role: Vital migratory pollinator of wildflowers
3. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Attracting Plants: Trumpet Vine, Cardinal Flower, Bee Balm
Appearance: May – September
Role: Pollinates tubular flowers, aiding genetic diversity
4. Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)(non-native but beneficial)
Attracting Plants: Goldenrod, Asters, Fruit Trees
Appearance: Year-round (in mild winters)
Role: Major pollinator of crops and many wildflowers
5. Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens)
Attracting Plants: Bee Balm, Echinacea, Goldenrod
Appearance: March – November
Role: Generalist pollinator; excellent for “buzz” pollination
6. Mason Bee (Osmia spp.)
Attracting Plants: Early spring wildflowers, Fruit Trees
Appearance: March – May
Role: Exceptionally efficient fruit tree pollinators
7. Green Sweat Bee (Agapostemon spp.)
Attracting Plants: Goldenrod, Aster, Coreopsis
Appearance: April – October
Role: Important pollinators of many native perennials
8. Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica)
Attracting Plants: Lavender, Salvia, Passionflower
Appearance: April – September
Role: Pollinates open-faced flowers and fruit blossoms
9. Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria)
Attracting Plants: Apple, Plum, and other orchard trees
Appearance: Spring
Role: Superior early-season fruit pollinator
10. Leafcutter Bee (Megachile spp.)
Attracting Plants: Native wildflowers, legumes
Appearance: Spring through fall
Role: Solitary bee that pollinates via belly-brushing
11. Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Attracting Plants: Dill, Fennel, Queen Anne’s Lace
Appearance: April – September
Role: Pollinates herbs and wildflowers
12. Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus)
Attracting Plants: Spicebush (host), Joe-Pye Weed
Appearance: April – September
Role: Visually striking pollinator of woodland edges
13. Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Attracting Plants: Thistle, Hollyhock
Appearance: March – November
Role: Wide-ranging pollinator of many native and ornamental plants
14. American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Attracting Plants: Yarrow, Asters
Appearance: April – October
Role: Pollinates a wide range of late-season natives
15. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Attracting Plants: Nettles (host), Asters
Appearance: May – October
Role: Pollinates flowers during long-range movements
16. Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
Attracting Plants: Clover, Mint, Wild Pea
Appearance: April – October
Role: Pollinator of legumes and low-growing herbs
17. Hummingbird Moth (Hemaris thysbe)
Attracting Plants: Bee Balm, Phlox, Honeysuckle
Appearance: May – September
Role: Important pollinator of tubular wildflowers
18. Cuckoo Bee (Nomada spp.)
Attracting Plants: Wildflowers and spring ephemerals
Appearance: Spring – early summer
Role: Parasitic bee species; visits flowers, aiding pollination
19. Hoverfly (Syrphidae family)
Attracting Plants: Dill, Yarrow, Aster
Appearance: April – October
Role: Major aphid predator and efficient flower pollinator
20. Small Carpenter Bee (Ceratina spp.)
Attracting Plants: Goldenrod, Daisy, Mountain Mint
Appearance: May – October
Role: Nest in stems, pollinate small flowers and herbs
Conclusion
By planting native species and avoiding pesticides, Long Islanders can turn backyards into pollinator havens. Each pollinator listed here plays a distinct role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, crop productivity, and the future of our natural heritage. Together, we can create landscapes that hum with life and bloom with purpose.
Written with help from ChatGPT
