For many animals, including most birds and mammals, the basic information that allows people to identify key species in need of conservation exists and is accessible. For the insects that provide the vital service of pollination, however, information is often hidden in scientists' files or is lacking altogether. The first step to protect the subset of these insects that are at-risk of extinction in the near- or long-term is to identify those species in need of conservation attention. To that end we have produced this Red List of Pollinator Insects of North America. This document includes a series of species profiles that:

• Identify endangered, threatened, and other at-risk pollinator species and their habitats.
• Give information on biology, status, and conservation needs of at-risk pollinators.
• List critical threats to their survival.
• Provide information on conservation and research needs.
• List contact information for scientists and land managers.
• Provide references for additional information.

For many of these species more research is needed into population distribution, life history, and habitat needs so we can determine the best course of conservation action. We hope that this document enables scientists, conservationists, federal and state wildlife managers, zoos, and others to prioritize these species for further research and conservation.

To begin looking for information on listed species, please click on the "Using Red List" button in the sidebar.

Note: This draft of the Red List of Pollinator Insects of North America is a first step in the process of protecting these vulnerable pollinator species. This is a living document that we will update periodically. If you have information that is relevant to the Red List or if you find an error, please contact the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Please cite this document as: Shepherd, M. D., D. M. Vaughan, and S. H. Black (Eds). 2005. Red List of Pollinator Insects of North America. CD-ROM Version 1 (May 2005). Portland, OR: The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.