The Symbiotic Relationship Between Rocks and Pollinators

BY ANITA B. STONE AND B. BURNS, PHD

Photo by Joni Stone

Photo by Joni Stone

Rocks that attract include jasper, quartz, turquoise and obsidian. Rock colors that attract bees are white, yellow, purple and blue. Butterflies are attracted to colors such as orange, red, yellow and purple.”

It’s no secret that nature’s pollinators are declining. There are many ways humans are attempting to address this issue, but one of the easiest is by hosting a pollinator habitat with rocks. It may come as a surprise to learn that rocks can help. Rocks? Yes.

Even though butterflies and bees don’t seem to have much need for rocks, there is an interesting connection. Certain rocks not only attract insects by their color, but they also contain minerals that pollinators need.

IN SEARCH OF MINERALS

If you notice groups of butterflies gathering at unexpected places, such as on gravel roads, sandy paths, beaches and mud puddles, even on decaying vegetable matter and carrion, it is because they are seeking dissolved salts and minerals that are not found in their natural diet. Therefore, they must hunt outside their foraging habits.