When people think of pollinators, bees usually get all the credit, but they’re far from the only creatures doing the hard work of keeping plants and crops thriving.
All over the world, a variety of insects, birds, and even mammals are quietly helping to move pollen from plant to plant, playing a crucial role in ecosystems and food production. Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we rely on wouldn’t survive. These are some of the other incredible but often overlooked pollinators that are just as important as bees.
1. Hoverflies are tiny but mighty pollinators.
Hoverflies might look like small bees or wasps, but they’re completely harmless to humans — and they’re essential pollinators. They visit flowers in search of nectar and, in the process, transfer pollen between plants, helping a wide range of crops grow. Their ability to hover in mid-air makes them particularly good at reaching tricky flowers.
Beyond pollination, hoverflies also help control pests like aphids, making them a gardener’s best friend. Their work often goes unnoticed, but they play a huge role in keeping ecosystems balanced and thriving.
2. Bats pollinate at night while the world sleeps.
While most pollinators are busy during the day, bats take the night shift. In tropical and desert regions, they’re responsible for pollinating plants like bananas, mangoes, agave (used to make tequila), and various cacti. As they feed on nectar, their fur picks up pollen and spreads it to other flowers.
Because they travel long distances, bats help maintain genetic diversity in plants across large areas. Without them, many of the fruits and plants we enjoy wouldn’t reproduce as successfully, making them a crucial part of the ecosystem.
3. Beetles were some of the world’s first pollinators.
Long before bees dominated the pollination scene, beetles were already doing the job. These ancient pollinators have been helping plants reproduce for over 100 million years, especially flowers with strong fragrances and open structures, like magnolias and water lilies.
Because they tend to be messy eaters, beetles end up carrying large amounts of pollen on their bodies as they move from flower to flower. Their work might not be as noticeable as that of bees, but it’s just as important for many plant species.
4. Moths work the night shift alongside bats.
While butterflies get plenty of recognition for their daytime pollination efforts, moths do just as much work after the sun goes down. Many moth species, especially hawk moths, visit flowers at night, feeding on nectar and spreading pollen in the process.
They’re particularly good at pollinating long-tubed flowers like jasmine and honeysuckle, which rely on their long proboscises to reach deep into the blooms. Their quiet contribution to pollination helps keep nocturnal ecosystems functioning smoothly.
5. Ants pollinate small flowers at ground level.
Ants aren’t often thought of as pollinators, but they do contribute to the process, especially for low-growing flowers close to the ground. As they crawl over petals in search of nectar, they unknowingly carry pollen between blossoms.
While they’re not as efficient as flying pollinators, ants help plants that don’t attract larger pollinators. They also play a key role in seed dispersal, further supporting plant life in unexpected ways.
6. Hummingbirds pollinate while fuelling up on nectar.
Hummingbirds are some of the most efficient pollinators in the bird world. As they hover over flowers to drink nectar, their beaks and feathers pick up pollen, transferring it as they move from bloom to bloom. They’re particularly important for red, tubular flowers like fuchsia and trumpet vine.
Because they have high-energy needs, hummingbirds visit hundreds of flowers a day, making them incredibly productive pollinators. Their role in plant reproduction helps maintain healthy ecosystems and supports a variety of flowering species.
7. Wasps pollinate while searching for food.
Wasps don’t get the same love as bees, but they actually contribute to pollination in their own way. While they’re not as fuzzy, meaning they don’t carry as much pollen, they still help plants reproduce as they move from flower to flower in search of nectar.
Some plants, like figs, rely entirely on wasps for pollination. Without them, these species wouldn’t be able to reproduce, proving that even the most misunderstood insects play an essential role in nature.
8. Lizards help pollinate in tropical regions.
It’s hard to imagine reptiles as pollinators, but in some parts of the world, lizards visit flowers for nectar, unintentionally transferring pollen in the process. This happens mostly in islands and warm climates, where traditional pollinators might be scarce.
Some species, like geckos and skinks, have been observed playing a role in pollination. They might not be as widespread as insects or birds, but they’re an example of how diverse and creative nature can be when it comes to plant reproduction.
9. Butterflies pollinate while enjoying a meal.
Butterflies are well-known pollinators, but they often don’t get as much attention as bees. With their long proboscises, they specialise in pollinating flowers that have deep nectar reserves, such as milkweed and lavender.
Because they travel long distances, butterflies help spread pollen far and wide. Their role in supporting plant biodiversity makes them essential contributors to healthy ecosystems.
10. Mosquitoes pollinate more than people realise.
Most people think of mosquitoes only as annoying pests, but many species actually help with pollination. Male mosquitoes, which don’t feed on blood, survive entirely on nectar, making them accidental pollinators as they move between flowers.
While they might not be the most popular insects, their contribution to plant reproduction is surprisingly significant. Without them, some plant species wouldn’t be able to thrive, proving that even the most disliked creatures serve an important purpose.
