Pollinators and Other Insect Visitations on Native and Ornamental Perennials in Two Landscapes

Many pollinator insects, especially honey bees [ Apis mellifera Linnaeus (Apidae)] and wild bees, are experiencing population decline because of forage habitat losses. Planting perennial flowering taxa is one method increasing habitat. The objectives this study were to evaluate the potential 27 native species ornamental cultivars determine their ability attract insect pollinators in a rural an urban landscape North Dakota, assess these perennials other beneficial insects pests, identify bee visiting perennials. Five eight and/or each from four genera, Monarda L. (bee balm), Hylotelephium H. Ohba (stonecrop), Baptisia Vent. (wild indigo), Symphyotrichum Nees (aster), tested. Weekly observations individual plants during visitations 2018 2020 indicated that present for earliest June until latest second week October or first freeze. A total 16,194 observed, 87.8% Hymenoptera Diptera. Significant landscapes × interactions detected all groups, except syrphid flies, which both main effects significantly different. Overall, beetles preferred visit . lepidopterans, syrphids , Tachinids Blow flies More (i.e., 96.0%) fewer pest 30.4%) counted on landscape. 3311 individuals identified as following families: Apidae, Andrenidae, Colletidae, Megachilidae, Halictidae. Thirty-one 21 unique landscapes, respectively. two most common Ceratina calcarata Robertson cultivar S. oblongifolium (Nutt.) G.L. Nessom Skies Lasioglossum imitatum (Smith) some These findings suggest influenced by varied among cases. However, evaluated flower would be suitable attracting supporting settings northern Great Plains.