Pollinating Insects:
Nature at Its Best

article by Don Johnson

When it comes to nature pictures, capturing images of pollinating insects is a rewarding subject matter to cover. Getting up close and personal can accumulate some interesting and amazing images, as it is nature at its finest.

When these pictures are printed out I don't consider them "a still" picture. As a subject matter, they represent nature in motion. They represent capturing nature at work, a process being performed and captured on print.

Common Insect Pollinators

Although there are about 2000 species of animals that act as pollinators (Department), there are a few species listed below as being well known as pollinators.

• Wasp
• Bees
• Ants
• Butterflies
• Moths
• Flies
• Beetles

The pollinating insects don't know that they are performing this work for nature. They are simply looking for food and doing what is natural to them for survival. I am familiar with this topic not because photography is a hobby for me, but rather because I have a family who have allergies to pollen.

Natural Plant Fertilization

There are two ways that nature performs plant fertilization:

The wind or Anemophily: This process of pollination is conducted by the wind and pollinates trees, grasses, and weeds. Wind pollination is a "hit and miss" method.

This is where the wisdom of nature comes in. These types of plants release a large amount of pollen in a short time frame.

Each group has their own time for pollination. In general, pollination begins in early spring and lasts, for some plants, until the first frost. This type of pollen tends to be lightweight and aerodynamic.

Pollinating insects or Entomophily: This is the process in which pollen is transferred by insects to other flowers for fertilization and reproduction. The flowers that use this process tend to be beautiful, smell good, and attract insect.

The pollen tends to be heavier and stickier and normally stays close to the pollinating flower. They don't pose as much of a problem for us allergy sufferers.

Bees And Butterflies Art Two Pollinating Insects

Insect pollination normally occurs on plants that have colored petals and a strong scent to attract insects. When pollinating insects land on these flowers to harvest the nectar, the pollen inadvertently sticks to the insect. When they land on a female flower of the same species reproduction occurs.

Nasal Allergies And The Outdoors

Being a nature enthusiast and having nasal allergies makes me aware of what the pollen count is on a daily basis. There are times that I stay inside because I know the pollen count is too high. Pollen count tends to be higher between 5-10 AM and between 4-7 PM. But it is much lower after a good rain, as the water washes away the pollen.

I may have to miss two of the best times of day for taking pictures. I may not capture the "sweet spot" in lighting of early morning and evening many photographers talk about. But I can certainly take advantage of the third and perhaps most popular time for picture taking after a good rain.

If you are like me and enjoy taking pictures outdoors but have allergies like I do, you can check the pollen count at either of these sites

• www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp
• www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/

Having allergies should not take the fun or pleasure out of being in the great outdoors. Avoidance is the most practical and effective measure of treatment for allergy sufferers.

Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid the issues of nasal allergies:

• Check the pollen count daily.
• Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, or wear protective clothing when you are outside. Use sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes.
• Plant flowers that attract pollinating insects, as opposed to flowers that use the wind for pollination.
• Take a shower when you come in from the outdoors, as pollen tends to stick to clothing and hair.
• Identify the allergen that is affecting you by having an allergy screening with your medical care provider. Knowing what you are allergic to is key in determining what to do.
• Install air purifies or filtering systems in your home. Make sure the filtering system uses a HEPA filter.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will help keep the inside of your home free of pollen. Using a vacuum that does not have a HEPA filter will not retain the pollen that it catches. They will be blown back out through the vacuums' exhaust.

Reducing your exposure to allergens is the best tool to combating allergies. Imagine a life without the annoying symptoms of allergies and the irritating combat of trying to find comfort from drugs that rarely work.

With the above steps and some simple lifestyle changes you reduce allergies symptoms while still maintaining a productive and enjoyable time with nature.

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Don is a hobby photographer and a sufferer of hay fever allergy. He publishes and edits a nasal allergy website with emphasis on avoiding allergens over drug use. You can learn more about nasal inflammation at his site.

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Works Cited
Department, U. F. (n.d.). Pollinators. Retrieved from
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/factsheet_pollinator.pdf

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