As a science-based organization, the Xerces Society produces dozens of publications annually, all of which employ the best available research to guide effective conservation efforts. Our publications range from guidelines for land managers, to brochures offering overviews of key concepts related to invertebrate conservation, from books about supporting pollinators in farmland, to region-specific plant lists. We hope that whatever you are seeking—whether it's guidance on making a home or community garden pollinator-friendly, advice on developing a local pesticide reduction strategy, or detailed information on restoring habitat—you will find it here!
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High-quality pollinator and beneficial insect habitat is usually composed of native vegetation. Providing pollen and nectar resources, host plants, overwintering and nesting opportunities, and protection from pesticides are all critical to quality habitat. Native habitat plantings can be established from seed or with live plants, also known as plugs. Plugs are a great way of establishing small-scale habitat in a variety of locations such as city parks, on farms, residential gardens, and more! The strategies outlined for plug planting in this document are broad to cover multiple regions.
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are critical pollinators of both food crops and wild plants. Active from spring through fall, these large native bees can fly long distances and are able to forage in cool, wet temperatures by shivering their thoracic flight muscles to generate heat. Bumble bees are also known for their ability to “buzz pollinate”—a behavior in which vibration of the flight muscles at a specific frequency facilitates pollination of certain plants.
The Makah copper butterfly (Tharsalea mariposa makah) was proposed for listing in 2024 through a petition submitted by the Xerces Society.
The Makah copper lives in a special environment, the coastal Sphagnum moss peatlands in Clallam County, WA. As caterpillars, Makah coppers feed on bog cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos). Adults are active in the summer and can typically be seen from late July through August. Among the various threats this species faces, habitat loss, degradation, and climate change are the most pressing.
To see the full list of brochures available for download, click here.