Pollinators, such as most bees, butterflies, birds, other insects and bats, play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. But to pollinate successfully, they have to have healthy populations to do so. That’s why, it may just be time for pollinators to jump onto the online dating scene (cough*Bumble*). If they had dating profiles, they may look something like this…
Monarch Butterfly
Monarch Butterfly
Occupation: Travel Agent
Hometown: Milkweed, USA
About: Travel is life!! I spend winters in Mexico or California. I’m looking for someone not afraid of crowds, traveling long distances or birds. In search of (ISO) someone real — no viceroys pls. Hit me up if you want epic adventure and are comfortable navigating the monarch highway.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird
Occupation: Florist
Hometown: Columbine
About: This is my first time on a pollinator site, my heart’s beating as fast as my wings! I spend a lot of time out in the garden and have been called feisty more than once! I love a stroll in a flower-filled park or backyard. Favorite colors are red, yellow and orange. Looking for someone who’s willing to go the distance.
White-Lined Sphinx Moth
White-lined Sphinx Moth
Occupation:Make-up Artist
Hometown: Larkspur, Thistle, Columbine, I bounce around!
About: I’m easy-going and totally spontaneous. Wanna stay out and party until dawn? I’m in! Want to spend a sunny afternoon traveling from watering hole to watering hole? You can count on me for that too. I’m sometimes mistaken for a hummingbird, but I’m all moth baby! ISO someone to hover with me and taste all the flowers life has to offer.
Pallid Bat
Pallid Bat
Occupation: Pilot
Hometown: Western Desert
About: I may seem hardcore — I mean, it’s not everyday you meet someone who eats scorpions for lunch. But get to know me and you’ll see my softer side. Looking for someone who isn’t afraid to try new things- one night we might chow down on a huge centipede, the next night a delicate vegetarian feast at my favorite cactus flower… Must enjoy sleeping in late (like… till sunset), and not afraid of caves.
Sweat Bee
Sweat Bee
Occupation: Personal Trainer
Hometown: Rotting log
About: It’s no mistake my idea of a perfect day is puttering in the garden, collecting and storing pollen, and working on house projects. I’m a bit of an introvert, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to have a good time. When I’m not listening to Bee-yonce, I’m playing rugbee. I’m interested in going on a few casual dates, and not looking for a long-term commitment.
Honey Bee
Honey Bee
Occupation: Singer
Hometown: Of European Descent
About: I’m a bee looking for a bae. I get a buzz from being active — I mean, I’m responsible for a ton of pollination in this country! I need someone who’s down to visit a range of flowers and who is willing to help out around the hive. I’m pretty colony-oriented (I’ll do anything for them) and consider myself a provider — looking for someone who is down with that. Mess with me and you’ll get stung.
Karner Blue Butterfly
Karner Blue Butterfly
Occupation: Chef
Hometown:Within 1,000 ft of Wild Lupine
About: Spring generation, single male. Don’t let the silvery streaks fool you, I’m fresh out of the caterpillar stage. Looking for a woman that lives in the moment. Life is short, let’s spend the 3–5 days of it together. No spiders or beetles pls. Home-body, I don’t travel. Been known to taste test 41 flowers in one day.
Tachinid Fly
Tachinid Fly
Occupation: Pest control
Hometown: Wherever all the other bugs be at, stanky places
About: Don’t just go for a pollinator with the good looks, I know a good time. Wanna take down some grasshoppers, I’m your girl. ISO a beetle, moth or butterfly to attach my eggs to (larvae will work fine too).
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
Occupation: Model
Hometown: Ground Pinks, San Diego and Riverside Counties, California
About: I’m a rare breed, so take notice gents. There used to be a lot of me, but my home has gone away and fires have wiped out my family <smh>. TBH, I am going to need a man that can continue my good genes and modeling talents. I like things pretty hot … can you keep up with me? Meet me out in the coastal sage scrub and show me some new nectar flowers because this girl needs a change of scenery!
Let’s Help Pollinators Find One Another
- Plant native plants — these can serve as great places for them to meet up.
- Get involved where you can in pollinator focused citizen science projects.
- Be pollinator friendly and reduce pesticides.
Authors: Danielle Brigida, Abra Zobel, Ann Fro, Lisa Cox, and Leah Hawthorne.
