Insects on the prairie

Pollination is critical to the life cycle and survival of prairie plant species. Seed production and propagation depend on insects to transfer pollen from flower to flower such as this bee approaching milkweed.
video photo by Cynthia Gehrie


Butterfly plant (also called butterfly weed), a member of the milkweed family, gets its name because its rich nectar attracts many kinds of pollinators.
photo by Tim Burke


In late summer migrating monarchs are drawn to the nectar of Joe Pye weed.
video photo by Cynthia Gehrie