Beetles

Beetles are considered primitive “mess-and-soil” pollinators that may pollinate as they move from flower to flower consuming nectar, pollen, flower parts, or special food bodies. Because flower-visiting beetles are less active on flowers than are many flies, butterflies, and bees they are thought to be less effective pollinators. Species within the click beetles (Elateridae), scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae), checkered beetles (Cleridae), sap beetles (Nitidulidae), leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), rove beetles (Staphylinidae), blister beetles (Meloidae), and long-horned beetle (Cerambycidae) families are known to use floral resources. Tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae), false blister beetles (Oedemeridae) and soft-winged flower beetles (Melyridae) are known to feed on flowers.

Although beetles are the largest order of insects they are not considered as important to pollination in temperate regions as they are in the tropics. However, it is estimated that there are 52 native plant species pollinated by beetles in North America north of Mexico. There are no crops in the U.S. known to be pollinated by beetles except for the native paw paw. More research is needed.

Beetle families and genera often visiting flowering plants and their larval / adult food (click on the insect names in table to view images if available):