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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.

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.

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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. 

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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. â€‹â€‹â€‹

Colorado Native Pollinating Insects

Health Study Outcomes

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

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

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STUDY-DETAILS
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