Hymenoptera
This group of pollinators is vital to many plants and ecosystems. Learn more about their diversity and the important roles they play.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Social insects living in colonies that pollinate countless crops while producing honey and wax. Essential for food production worldwide.
Bumblebee (Bombus spp.)
Fuzzy, gentle pollinators that can work in cooler, cloudier weather. Their buzz pollination helps plants like tomatoes release pollen.
Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa spp.)
Large bees that nest in wood and pollinate flowers, though they are less common in northern Europe.
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Leafcutter Bee (Megachile spp.)
Solitary bees that cut leaf pieces for their nests. Found across Europe and excellent pollinators of gardens and wild plants.
Mason Bee (Osmia spp.)
Solitary bees using mud to seal nest cavities; highly effective pollinators of fruit trees and early spring flowers.
Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.)
Build paper-like nests and visit flowers for nectar, also help control pests.
Lepidoptera
A colorful family of pollinators that brighten gardens, meadows, and wild landscapes.
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Migratory butterfly that visits many wildflowers, helping pollinate plants across Europe.
Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
Feeds on nectar from buddleia, ivy, and garden flowers from spring to late autumn.
Peacock Butterfly (Aglais io)
Recognizable by its eye-like wing spots, it pollinates thistles, nettles, and garden flowers.
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Common in gardens and meadows, it pollinates early spring flowers.
Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
One of the first butterflies of spring, visiting primroses and other early blooms.
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)
Day-flying moth that hovers while feeding on nectar, pollinating many garden flowers.
Coleoptera
A fascinating family of pollinators, beetles visit flowers while feeding and help keep ecosystems balanced across Europe.
Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata)
Metallic green beetle often seen on roses and other flowers, feeding on pollen and nectar.
Dung Beetle (Geotrupes spp.)
While mainly decomposers, some species visit flowers for nectar, helping pollination in meadows.
Flower Longhorn Beetle (Leptura spp.)
Slender beetles commonly found on flowers in summer, feeding on pollen and aiding pollination.
Soldier Beetle (Cantharis spp.)
Soft-bodied beetles seen on wildflowers; they feed on nectar and pollen while visiting many plants.
Click Beetle (Athous spp.)
Some adult click beetles feed on flower pollen and nectar, contributing to pollination in grasslands.
Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii)
Bright red beetle visiting lilies and other flowers; while known as a plant feeder, adults also transfer pollen.
Diptera
A diverse group of pollinators, flies visit flowers for nectar and pollen, helping many plants thrive across Europe.
Hoverfly (Syrphidae spp.)
Often mistaken for bees, these flies hover near flowers while feeding on nectar and pollen, making them excellent pollinators.
Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)
Resembling honeybees, they visit a wide range of flowers and are important for pollination in gardens and meadows.
Marmalade Fly (Episyrphus balteatus)
Small, colorful hoverflies that feed on nectar and pollen, helping pollinate many wild and cultivated plants.
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Thick-headed Fly (Conopidae spp.)
Adults feed on nectar from flowers while aiding pollination, especially in meadows.
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Flower Fly (Toxomerus spp.)
Tiny flies visiting various flowers, transferring pollen as they feed on nectar.
Scathophagid Fly (Scathophaga stercoraria)
Also known as the dung fly; while their larvae live in manure, adults feed on nectar and contribute to pollination.