What pollinating insect has over 400,000 known species, making up almost half of all insects and 25% of all animals on our planet? Why, beetles, of course!
This ancient and highly diverse group (Coleoptera) are beneficial insects in many ways. Predatory beetles such as lady beetles, fireflies and tiger beetles eat insect pests and keep the population in balance. Decomposers take care of waste like dung and carrion, recycling these into nutrients that enrich the soil. And, many species are pollinators as well.
Beetles tend to be found on large, solitary flowers, or those with small, tightly clustered blooms, pollinating as they clamber over the flower. (Some, like lady beetles, will consume pollen as a protein supplement) As for perfume, they favor strong, spicy or musky scents. At the SBG, you’ll likely spot them on goldenrod (Solidago spp) or, when the time is right, on the flowers of the paw paw (Asiminia triloba).
So how can you encourage these helpful insects to make a home in your landscape? Many of the same practices that make good pollinator habitat can help beetles thrive as well. Providing leaf or brush piles or raking leaves into garden beds or under trees will provide food and shelter. In addition, consider creating a ‘beetle bank’–a raised strip or mound of earth planted in bunch grasses–in or around your garden. You’ll be rewarded by the many services that this diverse group provides!
