Spring is the perfect time to celebrate the tiny creatures that help our gardens and food grow! Can you find these spring pollinators in your backyard or nearby park? Here are a few pollinators to spot, starting as early as March:
Early Spring Pollinator iSpy
Queen Bumble Bees
In early spring, large queen bumblebees emerge alone from hibernation to feed on blooms and establish nests. They’re identified by identified by their large size, oftentimes being 2–4 times larger than worker bumble bees.
Cellophane Bees
Cellophane bees are among the first pollinators to emerge in early spring, often appearing in mid-March as snow melts. They’re identified by their heart-shaped faces and bold black-and-white abdominal stripes.
Mourning Cloak Butterflies
Mourning Cloak butterflies often appear in March or April, sometimes while snow is still on the ground! They’re identified by their large, dark maroon-brown wings with a distinct pale yellow border next to a row of blue spots.
Blue Orchard Bees
Blue orchard bees are cavity-nesting bees that emerge from the ground in early spring alongside the bloom of fruit trees, usually when daytime temperatures consistently reach 54–55°F. They’re identified by their small, blue-black bodies, and are roughly the size of a honeybee.
Looking for ways to support our early season buddies?
- Add early blooming flowers to your garden or yard
- Skip using pesticides, if you can
- Leave last year’s fallen leaves and yard waste until nighttime temps are around 50°F for shelter
- Keep the dandelions and clover growing in your yard—don’t mow until later in the spring
