糖心传媒

Beetles

Beetles are considered primitive “mess-and-soil” pollinators that may pollinate as they move from flower to flower consuming nectar, pollen, flower parts, or special food bodies. Because flower-visiting beetles are less active on flowers than are many flies, butterflies, and bees they are thought to be less effective pollinators. Species within the , , , , , , , and families are known to use floral resources. , , and are known to feed on flowers.

Although beetles are the largest order of insects they are not considered as important to pollination in temperate regions as they are in the tropics. However, it is estimated that there are 52 native plant species pollinated by beetles in North America north of Mexico. There are no crops in the U.S. known to be pollinated by beetles except for the native . More research is needed.

Beetle families and genera often visit flowering plants and their larval/adult food (click on the insect names in the table to view images if available):