Species spotlight: the Pinocchio Hoverfly
One of our favourite hoverflies has a rather unusual feature: a long ‘nose’!
The larvae of Pinocchio Hoverflies (Rhingia campestris) develop in cow dung.
#PollinatingLT
One of our favourite hoverflies has a rather unusual feature: a long ‘nose’!
The larvae of Pinocchio Hoverflies (Rhingia campestris) develop in cow dung.
#PollinatingLT
October 7, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Species spotlight: the Pinocchio Hoverfly
One of our favourite hoverflies has a rather unusual feature: a long ‘nose’!
The larvae of Pinocchio Hoverflies (Rhingia campestris) develop in cow dung.
#PollinatingLT
One of our favourite hoverflies has a rather unusual feature: a long ‘nose’!
The larvae of Pinocchio Hoverflies (Rhingia campestris) develop in cow dung.
#PollinatingLT
The Painted Lady is a great long-distance traveller.
Every year, these butterflies migrate north from areas including North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, travelling through Europe before reaching Britain and Ireland.
#PollinatingLT
Every year, these butterflies migrate north from areas including North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, travelling through Europe before reaching Britain and Ireland.
#PollinatingLT
September 23, 2026 at 12:21 PM
The Painted Lady is a great long-distance traveller.
Every year, these butterflies migrate north from areas including North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, travelling through Europe before reaching Britain and Ireland.
#PollinatingLT
Every year, these butterflies migrate north from areas including North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, travelling through Europe before reaching Britain and Ireland.
#PollinatingLT
Our 2026 pollinator surveys are well underway!
We’re now around halfway through our fourth and final survey round. It’s still too early to reveal the full results, but we’ve already seen some species appearing in greater numbers than in previous years.
#PollinatingLT
We’re now around halfway through our fourth and final survey round. It’s still too early to reveal the full results, but we’ve already seen some species appearing in greater numbers than in previous years.
#PollinatingLT
September 17, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Our 2026 pollinator surveys are well underway!
We’re now around halfway through our fourth and final survey round. It’s still too early to reveal the full results, but we’ve already seen some species appearing in greater numbers than in previous years.
#PollinatingLT
We’re now around halfway through our fourth and final survey round. It’s still too early to reveal the full results, but we’ve already seen some species appearing in greater numbers than in previous years.
#PollinatingLT
Found a tired bee? Put down the honey!
It might seem like the obvious thing to offer a struggling bee, but honey can contain pathogens that are harmful to bees.
Instead, if a bee needs a helping hand, offer a little sugar water, or even better, place it somewhere on a flower.
#PollinatingLT
It might seem like the obvious thing to offer a struggling bee, but honey can contain pathogens that are harmful to bees.
Instead, if a bee needs a helping hand, offer a little sugar water, or even better, place it somewhere on a flower.
#PollinatingLT
September 8, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Found a tired bee? Put down the honey!
It might seem like the obvious thing to offer a struggling bee, but honey can contain pathogens that are harmful to bees.
Instead, if a bee needs a helping hand, offer a little sugar water, or even better, place it somewhere on a flower.
#PollinatingLT
It might seem like the obvious thing to offer a struggling bee, but honey can contain pathogens that are harmful to bees.
Instead, if a bee needs a helping hand, offer a little sugar water, or even better, place it somewhere on a flower.
#PollinatingLT
Species spotlight: Common Carder Bee
Bombus pascuorum is one of the UK’s most familiar bumblebees but its appearance can be quite variable.
Some individuals can look very similar to two much rarer species: the Brown-banded Carder Bee (B. humilis) and Moss Carder Bee (B. muscorum).
#PollinatingLT
Bombus pascuorum is one of the UK’s most familiar bumblebees but its appearance can be quite variable.
Some individuals can look very similar to two much rarer species: the Brown-banded Carder Bee (B. humilis) and Moss Carder Bee (B. muscorum).
#PollinatingLT
September 1, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Species spotlight: Common Carder Bee
Bombus pascuorum is one of the UK’s most familiar bumblebees but its appearance can be quite variable.
Some individuals can look very similar to two much rarer species: the Brown-banded Carder Bee (B. humilis) and Moss Carder Bee (B. muscorum).
#PollinatingLT
Bombus pascuorum is one of the UK’s most familiar bumblebees but its appearance can be quite variable.
Some individuals can look very similar to two much rarer species: the Brown-banded Carder Bee (B. humilis) and Moss Carder Bee (B. muscorum).
#PollinatingLT
Cannon Street Station took part in @PollinatingLT/bsky.social Annual Pollinator Count in the City of London. Bees were spotted around their pocket gardens created for Southeastern’s #SEinBloom gardening challenge.
August 26, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Cannon Street Station took part in @PollinatingLT/bsky.social Annual Pollinator Count in the City of London. Bees were spotted around their pocket gardens created for Southeastern’s #SEinBloom gardening challenge.
Some of our most familiar butterflies, including peacocks and small tortoiseshells, depend on stinging nettles. Adult butterflies visit other plants for nectar, but their caterpillars need host plants. No nettles can mean fewer butterflies.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
August 18, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Some of our most familiar butterflies, including peacocks and small tortoiseshells, depend on stinging nettles. Adult butterflies visit other plants for nectar, but their caterpillars need host plants. No nettles can mean fewer butterflies.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
PLT is a charity, and donations help support the work we do for pollinators across London. From surveys and events to advice and education, every contribution helps us keep going. You can donate via our website.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
August 14, 2026 at 1:35 PM
PLT is a charity, and donations help support the work we do for pollinators across London. From surveys and events to advice and education, every contribution helps us keep going. You can donate via our website.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Hummingbird hawkmoths are not hummingbirds, and they’re not hawks either, they’re moths. You’d probably do a double take if you saw one of these hover at flowers, using their long tongues to feed on nectar. We’ve seen plenty this year, always a nice one to come across.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
August 11, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Hummingbird hawkmoths are not hummingbirds, and they’re not hawks either, they’re moths. You’d probably do a double take if you saw one of these hover at flowers, using their long tongues to feed on nectar. We’ve seen plenty this year, always a nice one to come across.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Have you ever tried a FIT Count? Flower-Insect Timed Counts are simple 10-minute surveys that help build a picture of which insects are visiting flowers, and where. They’re really easy to do and can be quite fun too!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
August 5, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Have you ever tried a FIT Count? Flower-Insect Timed Counts are simple 10-minute surveys that help build a picture of which insects are visiting flowers, and where. They’re really easy to do and can be quite fun too!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Meet the Batman hoverfly: Myathropa florea. This striking hoverfly gets its common name from the dark, bat-like marking on its thorax. Once you’ve seen it, you won’t unsee it.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
July 30, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Meet the Batman hoverfly: Myathropa florea. This striking hoverfly gets its common name from the dark, bat-like marking on its thorax. Once you’ve seen it, you won’t unsee it.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Seeing bumblebee queens again in late summer? In some species, a second generation may be emerging. Not every queen you spot is fresh out of hibernation, some are part of the next wave of summer activity.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
July 28, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Seeing bumblebee queens again in late summer? In some species, a second generation may be emerging. Not every queen you spot is fresh out of hibernation, some are part of the next wave of summer activity.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Seen swarms of flying ants lately? Odds are its “flying ant day”, a natural mating event. While they don’t
pollinate as well as bees do, ants do visit flowers!
#PollinatingLT
pollinate as well as bees do, ants do visit flowers!
#PollinatingLT
July 22, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Seen swarms of flying ants lately? Odds are its “flying ant day”, a natural mating event. While they don’t
pollinate as well as bees do, ants do visit flowers!
#PollinatingLT
pollinate as well as bees do, ants do visit flowers!
#PollinatingLT
Not much longer left to wait!
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
July 2, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Not much longer left to wait!
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
Drought stresses plants and pollinators alike. Flowers produce less nectar during dry spells, though the sugar concentration can increase. This could mean that pollinators must work harder for fewer rewards. What changes have you noticed in your garden this summer?
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 30, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Drought stresses plants and pollinators alike. Flowers produce less nectar during dry spells, though the sugar concentration can increase. This could mean that pollinators must work harder for fewer rewards. What changes have you noticed in your garden this summer?
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
June 23, 2026 at 9:10 AM
On 13th July, we’re holding our Annual Pollinator Count and Seminar.
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
Join the count, hear about this year’s findings, and help shape the future of pollinator conservation in London.
#PollinatingLT
Spotted a spiky little bug on your plants? It might be a ladybird larva!
They look totally different from adults but are great garden helpers, eating aphids by the dozen.
#PollinatingLT
They look totally different from adults but are great garden helpers, eating aphids by the dozen.
#PollinatingLT
June 19, 2026 at 10:09 AM
Spotted a spiky little bug on your plants? It might be a ladybird larva!
They look totally different from adults but are great garden helpers, eating aphids by the dozen.
#PollinatingLT
They look totally different from adults but are great garden helpers, eating aphids by the dozen.
#PollinatingLT
Bees Needs Week is around the corner! It’s a great time to plant, learn, and act for our buzzing friends. Have a look on our website for tips and activities!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 16, 2026 at 10:12 AM
Bees Needs Week is around the corner! It’s a great time to plant, learn, and act for our buzzing friends. Have a look on our website for tips and activities!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
If you’ve spotted neat circular holes in your rose leaves, it could be the handiwork of a leafcutter bee. These bees cut leaf pieces to build their nests, building cells for an egg, pollen and nectar. A packed lunch for the next generation.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 12, 2026 at 9:40 AM
If you’ve spotted neat circular holes in your rose leaves, it could be the handiwork of a leafcutter bee. These bees cut leaf pieces to build their nests, building cells for an egg, pollen and nectar. A packed lunch for the next generation.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Get ready for the Annual Pollinator Count 2026! On the 13th of July help us track the buzz and monitor pollinator health in London.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM
Get ready for the Annual Pollinator Count 2026! On the 13th of July help us track the buzz and monitor pollinator health in London.
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
What’s your favourite plant blooming right now? Share what’s on display in your garden or local park, we love hearing about your seasonal standouts!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 5, 2026 at 10:03 AM
What’s your favourite plant blooming right now? Share what’s on display in your garden or local park, we love hearing about your seasonal standouts!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Did you know many hoverflies can be identified by a “spurious vein” on their wings? It isn’t a true vein, but a fold that looks like one. It’s a useful clue for recognising many UK hoverfly species. Though it might not be easy to see out and about!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
June 2, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Did you know many hoverflies can be identified by a “spurious vein” on their wings? It isn’t a true vein, but a fold that looks like one. It’s a useful clue for recognising many UK hoverfly species. Though it might not be easy to see out and about!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Nasturtiums are a brilliant addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Their bright flowers attract pollinators, and all parts of the plant are edible too. Beautiful, useful, and bee-friendly!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
May 26, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Nasturtiums are a brilliant addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. Their bright flowers attract pollinators, and all parts of the plant are edible too. Beautiful, useful, and bee-friendly!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
Did you know its World Bee Day today? Bees pollinate many of the plants we rely on for food and healthy ecosystems. Over the next few weeks, take a moment to notice the busy bees around you.
#WorldBeeDay #PollinatingLT
#WorldBeeDay #PollinatingLT
May 20, 2026 at 9:31 AM
Did you know its World Bee Day today? Bees pollinate many of the plants we rely on for food and healthy ecosystems. Over the next few weeks, take a moment to notice the busy bees around you.
#WorldBeeDay #PollinatingLT
#WorldBeeDay #PollinatingLT
Leafcutter bees are brilliant pollinators. Many species have males that sport enlarged front feet, used during courtship and mating. Keep an eye out for these bees in gardens and green spaces this spring, they are around!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT
May 15, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Leafcutter bees are brilliant pollinators. Many species have males that sport enlarged front feet, used during courtship and mating. Keep an eye out for these bees in gardens and green spaces this spring, they are around!
#PollinatingLT
#PollinatingLT