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COLORADO NATIVE POLLINATING
INSECTS HEALTH STUDY

Learn more about Colorado insects on this interactive map. Roll over or click on the insects to learn more and also view the Pollinator Study and the state bill that made it possible.

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Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers. Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report! 

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Margined Calligrapher Syrphid Flies (Toxomerus marginatus) are widely distributed across North America, from Canada to Mexico. 

Rollover the insects above to learn about them

Illustrations by
Faith Williams Dyrsten

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The Colorado Hairstreak butterfly (Hypaurotis crysalus) became our official state insect in 1996, thanks to a campaign led by Colorado 4th graders!

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Tegeticula yuccasella, a species of Yucca Moth, shares an important mutualistic relationship with Soapweed Yucca.

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Bombus occidentalis, the Western Bumblebee, inhabits a wide array of environments in western North America—from lowland agricultural areas to high alpine meadows.

Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo)

The Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo) is named in honor of the ancestral Pueblo peoples, who built cliff dwellings in the Four Corners region more than 700 years ago.

Osmia lignaria, Blue Orchard Bee

The Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria) stands out with its eye-catching metallic blue-black color

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American Rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina americana) add a splash of color to stream and river habitats across North America.

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Dufourea maura (Black Short-faced Bees) are specialists on one of Colorado’s most eye-catching wildflowers – the Harebell
(Campanula sp.)!

Agapostemon coloradinus (the Colorado Striped Sweat Bee) is a colorful creature named after a colorful state!

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Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetles (Cicindela theatina), named for their distinctive coloring and predatory behaviors, are found only in Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

The Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) has dramatic transparent wings, fuzzy striped bodies, and a hovering flight pattern.

Xenoglossa strenua is one species of solitary, ground-nesting bees commonly known as Squash Bees.

Xenoglossa strenua, Squash Bee
Vella fallax, Antlion

Vella fallax belongs to a group of insects called Antlions. Larvae construct pit traps in loose soil and lie in wait just beneath the surface for ants or other insects to fall in.

Megachile parallela, Parallel Leaf Cutter Bee

Parallel Leaf Cutter Bee (Megachile parallela) is a solitary species with remarkable architectural skills and a strong preference for sunflowers.

Bombus huntii, Hunt's Bumble Bee

The Hunt Bumble Bee (Bombus huntii) is one of Colorado’s distinctive medium sized bumblebees with a colorful rust-orange band on their fuzzy rump.

Apis mellifera, Honey Bee

Though not native to North America, honey bees (Apis mellifera) have become integral to Colorado's agricultural landscape, particularly in alfalfa production across the state's eastern plains.

The Twelve Spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella) is a large, conspicuous dragonfly commonly found around Colorado's ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where sedges grow along the water's edge.

Libellula pulchella, Twelve Spotted Skimmer
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The Uncompahgre Fritillary (Boloria acrocnema) is one of Colorado’s rarest butterflies and is federally listed as an Endangered Species.

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Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study Top 5 State Priorities:

  1. Protect Imperiled Native Pollinating Insects

  2. Protect, Restore, and Connect Pollinator Habitats

  3. Mitigate Environmental Changes that Negatively Impact Pollinators and their Habitats

  4. Reduce the Risks from Pesticides to Pollinating Insects

  5. Monitor and Support Native & Managed Pollinator Health​

 

Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Health Study Leads:

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In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects. ​​​

Colorado Native Pollinating Insects

Health Study Outcomes

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  • 2025: Invertebrates & Rare Plants included and prioritized in Colorado's new State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)

  • 2025: Creation of Colorado Parks & Wildlife Invertebrate and Rare Plant Program, including 6 new CPW positions

  • 2024: Invertebrates & Rare Plants Bill (HB24-117, championed by PPAN and partners) recognizes invertebrates  as wildlife in Colorado and mandates their inclusion of species to be studied and protected

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STUDY-DETAILS

COLORADO STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN (SWAP) SPOTLIGHT

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For the first time ever, invertebrates are included in the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) update! This is significant because it acknowledges their vital role in ecosystems (e.g., pollination, nutrient cycling, and serving as food sources for animals) and highlights the species most in need of conservation before they become endangered. The SWAP's science-based framework for research, monitoring, and habitat protection can support these often overlooked and essential species. In fact, the SWAP includes more invertebrates and rare plants than any other taxonomic group!

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This is due to Colorado House Bill 24-1117, the Invertebrates & Rare Plants Bill (championed by PPAN and partners), which recognized invertebrates as wildlife in Colorado. This officially gave CPW the authority to mandate and study invertebrates.

The Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo) is named in honor of the ancestral Pueblo peoples, who built cliff dwellings in the Four Corners region more than 700 years ago.

INSECTS FROM THE MAP INCLUDED IN THE SWAP AS SPECIES OF GREATEST CONSERVATION NEED (SGCN)

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The Colorado Hairstreak butterfly (Hypaurotis crysalus) became our official state insect in 1996, thanks to a campaign led by Colorado 4th graders!

PPAN_FINAL_Bombus occidentalis_transparent_web.png

Bombus occidentalis, the Western Bumblebee, inhabits a wide array of environments in western North America—from lowland agricultural areas to high alpine meadows.

Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo)

The Pueblo Digger Bee (Anthophora pueblo) is named in honor of the ancestral Pueblo peoples, who built cliff dwellings in the Four Corners region more than 700 years ago.

PPAN_FINAL_Cicindela theatina_transparent_web.png

Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetles (Cicindela theatina), named for their distinctive coloring and predatory behaviors, are found only in Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park. 

PPAN_FINAL_Boloria acrocnema_transparent_web.png

The Uncompahgre Fritillary (Boloria acrocnema) is one of Colorado’s rarest butterflies and is federally listed as an Endangered Species.

READ ABOUT ALL OF THESE NATIVE POLLINATING INSECTS

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