Podicipedidae

joined 11 months ago
[–] Podicipedidae@mander.xyz 3 points 1 day ago

That's really nice of you to say. Thank you for your kindness!

[–] Podicipedidae@mander.xyz 10 points 1 day ago

I don't know European firefly species ranges. I'm fortunate enough to live in a region with multiple species ranges overlap. What species are in your region and what are their ranges?

Regardless, your land sounds beautiful. Thanks for being a good neighbor to the wildlife!

[–] Podicipedidae@mander.xyz 36 points 1 day ago (4 children)

Fireflies are fascinating and beautiful creatures. Another user mentioned donating to xerces society which is a great idea. Another thing that you can do if you are fortunate enough to own land is to replace your lawn (non-native, mowed grass) with native plants and leave the fallen leaves undisturbed.

I replaced my entire lawn with species native to my region and my entire yard is currently covered in multiple species of fireflies. It's so magical to see all the different colors and flashing patterns. Mind you, I live in the city so it's only my yard that is really providing for them. All my neighbors' yards have either no fireflies or a few.

You don't have to replace your entire lawn like I did. Just setting aside some space for our wildlife neighbors is better than nothing. Remember plants are the foundation of almost every food web. For me, it's magical to go outside and see the new blooms and growth, look for new creatures that show up, and just walk the little paths in my small yard. In an age of ecologic collapse and climate change it gives me some sense that I can have a measurable, positive impact and that really helps me mentally.

[–] Podicipedidae@mander.xyz 2 points 9 months ago

They are not conflicting but I can see how you might think that. Pollen is plant sperm. In order for pollination to occur many plants have special needs. The pollen has to be "picked up" and transferred to the female stigma. One example of how honeybees take nectar but don't pollinate flowers are flowers that require "buzz pollinating".

Hope that clears things up. Happy to answer anymore questions (I am just someone who is passionate about nature I'm not a professional or anything).

[–] Podicipedidae@mander.xyz 18 points 9 months ago (6 children)

You basically got it. European honey bees consume the already dwindling nectar and pollen resources for North American native pollinators. Furthermore, European honey bees are also worse at actually pollinating North American flowers because they did not co-evolve with the species we have here.