In lieu of bees, a tiny pollinator

cythaenopsis · August 23, 2013

Because my containers are up on a 3rd floor balcony (fire escape), bees seldom visit. I have gotten a few yellow jackets and a wasp or two, but no bumble or carpenter bees that are known for aggressive pollen foraging.

A few weeks ago, I started noticing these tiny insects that look like flying ants. Like this one:

Sure enough, they go right for the tail end of the stamen, poking and prodding, getting pollen in all the right places. I didn't see any of these in the 1st half of the summer. I seem to be getting more fruit set than before.

Does anyone here know what these insects are called? Are there any other smallish type flying insects that also aid with pollination?

August 23, 2013	#1
cythaenopsis Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Hoboken, NJ USA Posts: 347	In lieu of bees, a tiny pollinator Because my containers are up on a 3rd floor balcony (fire escape), bees seldom visit. I have gotten a few yellow jackets and a wasp or two, but no bumble or carpenter bees that are known for aggressive pollen foraging. A few weeks ago, I started noticing these tiny insects that look like flying ants. Like this one: Sure enough, they go right for the tail end of the stamen, poking and prodding, getting pollen in all the right places. I didn't see any of these in the 1st half of the summer. I seem to be getting more fruit set than before. Does anyone here know what these insects are called? Are there any other smallish type flying insects that also aid with pollination? __________________ I'm GardeningAloft.blogspot.com (container growing apartment dweller) Last edited by cythaenopsis; August 23, 2013 at 10:20 PM.