Atlantis Fritillaries on Thistle - Photo by Elroy LimmerFor its first evening program of the year, on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 7:00 pm, the Gila Native Plant Society has invited Diane Larson, retired Research Wildlife Biologist, to present a talk exploring "Who's a Pollinator? It Depends…"
The plight of bees and how that affects pollination of both crops and native plants have rightly received much attention. But bees are not the only insect pollinators. Sometimes, they are not even the best pollinator for a particular plant species. Diane will delve into different insect taxa that carry – or don't carry – pollen, showing that a diverse fauna is needed for robust pollination services.
Flower fly on Gaillardia - Photo by Elroy Limmer
Diane was a Research Wildlife Biologist for 33 years, first with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and then the U.S. Geological Survey. Much of her research centered on pollination of endemic plants in national parks in the northern Great Plains. Diane retired in 2024 and now lives in Silver City, where she enjoys participating in the New Mexico Native Bee Atlas project.
Tachinid Fly on Geranium - Photo by Elroy LimmerThe program will be hybrid – in person and via Zoom – on Friday, January 16th, at 7:00 pm. All are welcome. It will be live on the WNMU campus in Harlan Hall, Room 111. (Harlan Hall is at the corner of 12th and Alabama Streets in Silver City.) Those who prefer to attend online may request a Zoom link from
The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promoting education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest; encouraging the preservation of rare and endangered plant species; and supporting the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.
Thread waisted wasp - Photo by Elroy Limmer
