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Weeds Feed Pollinators: Ivy Tops Insect Visit Charts
14 Oct
Summary
- Common ivy blooms are the most visited by insects, offering rich pollen and nectar.
- Hogweed and bramble flowers rank second and third in pollinator visits.
- Hoverfly numbers have declined by about a third over the past eight years.
Ubiquitous urban plants, frequently dismissed as weeds, are proving to be essential for pollinating insects. A comprehensive eight-year study, conducted through the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, has identified common ivy as the most visited flowering plant by insects such as bees and butterflies.
The study recorded ivy blooms receiving 22 insect visits per 10-minute survey. Hogweed and bramble flowers followed closely, indicating their significant role in supporting insect populations. Non-native buddleia also ranked highly, attracting notable numbers of butterflies and moths.
While the findings highlight the importance of these plants for insect survival, the survey also revealed a concerning trend: hoverfly numbers have decreased by approximately one-third in abundance and species diversity across Britain over the past eight years. However, there is positive news for solitary bees, which saw an increase in one survey, alongside honeybees, beetles, and other flies, suggesting that gardens may serve as important sanctuaries for some pollinators.
