Pollinators play a vital role in New England’s ecosystems, from supporting wildflowers to helping crops produce food. This page brings together trusted guides, videos, and resources to help you learn about local pollinators and the habitats they depend on.
Meet New England’s Pollinators
Native Bees
Native bees come in many shapes and sizes, from tiny sweat bees to fuzzy bumble bees. They are efficient pollinators that rely on diverse flowers throughout the growing season.
Featured Guides:
- Meet the bees of the Northeast | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service A friendly introduction to local bee diversity and ecology.
- Native Bees of North America - BugGuide.Net A broad look at bee species across the continent, with photos and habitat notes.
- Bumble Bees of the Eastern United States A helpful guide for identifying and understanding regional bumble bee species.
Buzz Pollinators
Some bees use a special technique called buzz pollination, where they vibrate their bodies to shake pollen loose from flowers. This behavior is essential for many native plants and for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Buzz‑pollinating bees — including bumble bees and several small native species — rely on flowers that provide strong pollen rewards and on habitats that offer safe nesting sites.
Featured Resources
- Selection-of-Preferred-Forage-for-Buzz-Pollinators.pdf A practical list of flowers that provide the pollen and nectar buzz‑pollinating bees depend on throughout the growing season.
- Constructing-Bee-Habitats-for-Crops-Benefiting-Buzz-Pollinators.pdf Simple, accessible guidance for creating nesting habitat that supports buzz‑pollinating bees in gardens, farms, and community spaces.
Butterflies and Other Pollinators
Butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, and even some birds help move pollen across the landscape. Many rely on native plants for nectar and host plants for their young.
Featured Resources from the Connecticut Butterfly Association:
- Early-and-Late-Dates.pdf: A helpful guide showing when each butterfly species typically appears during the year, making it easier to know what to look for in spring, summer, and fall.
- CBA-Checklist-2020better.pdf: A simple, statewide list of butterfly species that helps visitors learn which butterflies are found in Connecticut and track what they see outdoors.