One pollinator that may be easy to forget because of when they are active is the bat. Bats are vital pollinators, especially in warmer climates like the desert or in the tropics. Bats are often trying to feed on insects that can be found on or in the flower, and as a result, they collect the pollen. They are essential for over 300 different species of fruits in addition to other flowers and plants. One of the most well-known pollinator bats is the one pictured here, the lesser long-nosed bat.
Typically, the flowers that are pollinated by bats are vastly different from the ones we know as pollinator-attracting flowers. Since the bats operate at night, the flowers that attract the bats are often larger, up to 3 inches in diameter, and are paler in color so they stand out against the night. Unfortunately, many of the pollinator bats that live in North America are federally endangered. Since the main plant that these bats feed on in North America, the Agave plant, is harvested before they flower for the production of tequila, the bats are losing out on one of their favorite food sources.
If you’re interested in helping save the bat populations, feel free to check out this link https://www.batcon.org/ to see how you can help!
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