Attractiveness of Drought-tolerant Plants to Insect Pollinators in the Southern High Plains Region

ABSTRACT: Urban and rural landscapes are important for providing floral resources to pollinating insects, yet determining the attractiveness of specific plants to a variety of pollinators remains a need in many regions. The objective of this study was to determine the attractiveness of 30 different plants to foraging insects. On 14 dates in 2016 and 2017, floral abundances were measured and the number of insect visitors recorded. A total of 57 insect morphospecies were recorded, with bees (Apoidea: Anthophila) the most abundant pollinator and honey bees the most frequently observed forager. Russian sage (Salvia farinacea) and Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’) attracted the greatest number of pollinators. Native plants adapted to the region attracted the highest diversity of pollinators. Thirteen plants, some that are considered good pollinator plants, attracted low numbers of insects. Five pollinator taxa (Anthophora californica/urbana, Apis mellifera, Agapostemon angelicus/texanus, Lasioglossum spp., and Bombyliidae) were attracted to 10 or more different plants, while approximately 65 percent of the taxa were attracted to three or fewer plants. Results support strategies for both grassland restoration and the selection of plants when resources and habitat for pollinators are considered in the management of urban green spaces.