Animals That Pollinate Cacti

Bats

• Bats are cacti pollinators. Some cacti produce large flowers that bloom at night and have foul smells. These attract the nocturnal bats. Nectar-drinking bats also pollinate other types of cacti, especially those that produce funnel-shaped flowers. The long-tongued vampire bat and the long-nosed bats both pollinate cacti.

Birds

• Birds are useful in pollinating cacti. While many different bird species help with cacti pollination, the hummingbird is likely the most important. Many cacti produce blooms that are not fragrant. Since hummingbirds do not have a strong sense of smell, that is not a factor. Because the hummingbird hovers over flowers rather than landing on the plant, cactus spines do not deter it.

Bees

• Bees are helpful in the pollination of many different flowers, and cacti are no exception. Some bee species become what scientists call, "cactus specialists," meaning that they pollinate cacti and only cacti. Some of these bee species might even only pollinate a specific species of cacti.

Other Insects

• Most of the other insects that commonly pollinate flowers also pollinate cacti flowers. These include moths, butterflies and wasps. Some cacti have evolved to form flowers that are especially attractive to these insects, such as flowers that look like rays or that are funnel shaped.