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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Use the search functions to sort by publication type (books, guidelines, fact sheets, etc.), location, and/or subject (agriculture, gardens, pollinators, pesticides, etc.).
Essays on Invertebrate Conservation
At the Xerces Society, one thing that unites all of us—staff, donors, collaborators—is a love for insects or other invertebrates. In this issue of Wings, the articles explore the natural history of two diverse and often misunderstood groups, wasps and grasshoppers, and one intriguing moth from New Zealand.
Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-003
The Xerces Society opposes rescission of the definition of “Harm” under the ESA, Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-003. We respectfully submit the following comments in strong opposition to the proposed rule that would rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If enacted, this action could undermine implementation of the ESA by creating confusion about its protections and weakening deterrents to habitat destruction.
On August 18, 2020, the Xerces Society filed a petition to list the western ridged mussel as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The western ridged mussel has been lost from 43% of its historic range. In addition, sudden die offs of western ridged mussels have been observed in Oregon and Washington.
AVOIDING HIDDEN RISKS
Many producers strive to provide pollinator-safe plants, but may be unknowingly substituting other risky insecticides or using fungicides detrimental to pollinators. In this fact sheet, Xerces suggests which insecticides to avoid altogether and which to refrain from use on pollinator-attractive plants during the last two weeks before sale.
About 25% of all known organisms on the planet are animals that live in the soil through all or a portion of their lives. The majority of these animals are invertebrates that interact with microbes, plants, and each other, forming the life of healthy soils.
This regional list of monarch nectar plants is geared toward gardeners, landscape designers, and land managers who are implementing small- to large-scale monarch restoration projects in California.
A Comparative Overview
This fact sheet is intended to be a quick reference to help you select and use organically-approved pesticides with the least impact on bees and other beneficial insects.
El cuadernillo de las actividades de Xperiencia
Embárcate en una aventura con Blue para conocer a otros invertebrados y descubrir sus superpoderes.
Xperience Activity Booklet
Go on an adventure with Blue the Butterfly to meet other invertebrates and learn about their superpowers.
The Xerces Society submitted this petition for listing the loopy five firefly (Photuris forresti) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2023.