Conservation

CATCH THE BUZZ
IN THE POLLINATOR BIOBLITZ 

For two weeks in October, Texans are invited to take part in the annual statewide Pollinator BioBlitz. Running Oct. 7-23, the BioBlitz raises awareness of the diversity and importance of pollinators while bringing greater attention to the critical habitat needs of monarchs and native pollinators across the state.

“Documented declines in insect populations, particularly pollinators, have brought to the forefront the need to better understand these species and the support they provide Texas rangelands, agriculture and native ecosystems,” says Ross Winton, invertebrate biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “Texas is home to thousands of pollinator species, from the iconic monarch down to the smallest solitary bee.”

Organizers are hosting a variety of events across the state to get people outdoors to observe pollinators. Of course, you don’t have to visit a particular site to participate; your very own yard or neighborhood park will do.

The BioBlitz is fun for all ages, with no experience required. Participants look for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and moths, as well as nectar-producing plants, and then share their photos or videos online via Instagram or Facebook, using #TXPollinators. Plant and insect species may be difficult to identify, so observers are encouraged to post what they know. For example, “Striped bee on Turk’s cap in Mission, Texas” will suffice.

If participants record their observations through the iNaturalist app, the records will automatically be included in the 2022 Texas Pollinator BioBlitz Project on iNaturalist. Last year’s BioBlitz garnered 60,148 iNaturalist observations, including hundreds of sightings of monarchs, gulf fritillaries and American bumblebees.

To learn more, visit the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz website: tpwd.texas.gov/education/bioblitz.