Beetles

THERE ARE ROUGHLY 350,00 SPECIES OF BEETLES FOUND WORLDWIDE AND ROUGHLY 30,000 SPECIES FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES

NOT ALL BEETLES ARE POLLINATORS... BUT FOR THOSE THAT ARE, SOME HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 150 MILLION YEARS!

How do Beetles pollinate?

Also known as 'mess and soil' pollinators, beetles do not have any special features to carry pollen. They will eat through petals and leaves, leaving behind small holes, plant matter bits and fecal matter.

Beetles are typically attracted to pollen as a food source. But while foraging, pollen grains will stick to beetles' bodies as they move between flowers.

You can learn more about beetles here!

A Texas Flower Scarab foraging on a Texas Thistle plant; Source

pollinating Beetles of Texas

Lady Bug

You've probably seen plenty of these before, right? Ladybugs are actually beetles! This specific species is medium sized with orange-reddish color and black spots. They typically will have 7 spots. They are mainly active during the day and primarily eat aphids, another type of insect. But if resources are low, adult ladybugs will eat pollen.

Soldier Beetle

These beetles can be up to 1/2 an in. long and they are typically yellowish to tannish-brown in color. As adults, they mainly feed on pollen and nectar, and they aren't a danger to flowers or other plants. They're harmless to people! They are typically attracted to yellow flowers and will often be found mating on flowers.

Emerald euphoria beetle

Also known as the 'flower scarab,' this species of beetle can range in size from 12mm to 17mm as an adult. They can also come in two varying forms; the western form is blue and the eastern form which is green. They are typically diurnal and can be found in a wooded area near a creek.

What types of flowers are beetles attracted to?

A Soldier beetle visiting a Goldenrod flower; Source

  • White to dull white or green

  • Really fruity

  • Bowl shaped with sexual organs exposed

  • Open during the day

  • May be large solitary flowers (like magnolias & pond lilies)

  • May be clusters of small flowers (like goldenrods & Spirea)

Want to learn more about beetles near you and around the globe?

iNaturalist is currently running the project 'Beetles with Pollen,' which is a compilation of observations from across the globe, of beetles that have pollen grains attached to their bodies. *Click the red button to the left to find out more and join!

Anyone can be involved in this project, so head outside and see what beetles you can find on and around the flowers near your home and in your community!