Launching the first-ever Australian ‘Pollinator Week’         

Medow Argus butterfly_Junonia villida calybe

Medow Argus butterfly_Junonia villida calybe

Lasioglossum lanarium & L sulthicum

Lasioglossum lanarium & L sulthicum

Snail parasitic blowfly - Amenia sp

Snail parasitic blowfly – Amenia sp

Every June, since 2007, the northern hemisphere has been celebrating ‘National Pollinator Week’, but the middle of winter is no time for Australians to appreciate the importance of our pollinators. So, as part of the Bee Aware of Your Native Bees project, we invite you to join us in celebrating Australian Pollinator Week, 15–21 November, 2015.

Why are pollinators important?

Because plants are not mobile, they require animal vectors to aid in the processes of reproduction. Through pollination, ovules are fertilised and seeds develop. Almost 90% of flowering plants rely on animals for pollination. Pollinators drive biodiversity which promotes ecological stability.

Who are our pollinators?

The most effective and well known pollinators are bees because, as they actively collect pollen to feed their off-spring they transfer thousands of pollen grains between flowers. There are, however, thousands of other animals that ‘incidentally’ transfer pollen as they drink nectar from flowers. The most common groups include beetles, flies, butterflies, wasps and moths.

Why celebrate and support pollinators?

Agricultural practices and urbanisation remove the natural habitat and food resources of pollinators. Without pollinators we reduce biodiversity and even threaten our own food security. By raising awareness and reintroducing some habitat and food resources, we can support an increase in natural pollinator populations within our local areas.

‘Join us for Australian Pollinator Week – social media at its best!’

The Central Event will be hosted by Eskbank House, Lithgow, on Sunday the 15th of November. Activities include; Green Guerrillas — make your own Seed-balls, Build a Bee Hotel, Bring-a-Bug – for ID, Planting Pollinator Habitat. We invite you to host a Virtual Event at your community garden, local school, retirement village, front yard or join a local event. The Community Events will be links through social media.

For more information go to www.facebook.com/groups/beeawareofyournativebees/

— Megan Halcroft