Beetle on Flower

Beetle pollinates a flower whilst feeding on nectar Photographer - John Broomfield Source - Museum Victoria

This beetle and many animals other than bees are plant pollinators. Most involved with plant pollination are insects such as wasps, ants, flies, beetles, thrips, moths and butterflies. Mammals (for example possums and bats) and birds can also act as pollinators.

All of these animals are attracted to plants for the nectar food in the flowers. Nectar is basically a sugary solution that is full of energy to help the animals walk, run or fly! Plants provide nectar to entice animals to visit them and hopefully, while they drink the nectar they will also pick up some pollen and transfer it to another flower.

Humans rely heavily on the results of pollination. One in every three mouthfuls of food we eat and beverages we drink are a result of pollination.