Results Overview
In 2017, citizens, scientists (lab members), and Champaign Park District (CPD) staff participated in the CU pollinator count, submitting 185 observation cards total. Most observations were done by UIUC scientists, but 28% of the observations were submitted by citizens.
The data collected provided some insights about pollinator plant preferences. Flies were the most common pollinator observed and butterflies/moths the least common. Blue salvia was attractive to bees, butterflies/moths, and flies.
Breakdown by Pollinator
Bees
122 bee were observed over the summer. Bee were most often observed on blue Salvia, Gomphrena, and pink Cleome.
Butterflies/Moths
33 butterflies/moths were observed during the CU pollinator count. Blue Salvia and yellow Lantana were the most attractive to butterflies. Overall, there were few butterflies/moths observed which may be the cause of many flower types having no butterfly/moth observations. Just because butterflies/moths were not observed on many flower types does not necessarily mean these flowers are unattractive to butterflies/moths.
Flies
Over the summer, there 156 were flies observed. Argyrantheum and white Lobularia had the most fly observations.
Other insects
128 other insects were observed during the summer. Most of the other insects were observed on Marigold and Lobularia.