Pollinator Syndromes
Pollinators are those animals that provide the invaluable service ofhelping plants reproduce and create seed or fruit that humans andothers eat.
There are many pollinators includingbats, bees, beetles, birds and butterflies.
The flower type, shape, color, odor,nectar, andstructure vary and attract different pollinators according to thepollinators likes and needs. Such characteristics areconsidered pollination syndromes. With this information you can predictwhich animals are most like to visit which plant.
Butterflies tend to visit flat blossomswith many nectar sources or small flowers. The flatness of the blossomprovides a nice stable landing pad. Butterflies like asters, sedums,milkweeds and coneflowers for those reasons.
Bees like blossoms that provide plentyof nectar and lure the bees in with a sweet fragrance.
Use the chart below to helpexplain why certain plants are loaded with bees, butterflies or other animals.
Pollinator Syndrome Traits Table | Trait | Pollinator | | Bats | Bees | Beetles | Birds | Butterflies | Flies | Moths | Wind | | Color | Dull white, green or purple | Bright white, yellow, blue, or UV | Dull white or green | Scarlet, orange, red or white | Bright, including red and purple | Pale and dull to dark brown or purple; flecked withtranslucent patches | Pale and dull red, purple, pink or white | Dull green, brown, or colorless; petals absent orreduced | | Nectar guides | Absent | Present | Absent | Absent | Present | Absent | Absent | Absent | | Odor | Strong musty; emitted at night | Fresh, mild, pleasant | None to strongly fruity or fetid | None | Faint but fresh | Putrid | Strong sweet; emitted at night | None | | Nectar | Abundant; somewhat hidden | Usually present | Sometimes present; not hidden | Ample; deeply hidden | Ample; deeply hidden | Usually absent | Ample; deeply hidden | None | | Pollen | Ample | Limited; often sticky and scented | Ample | Modest | Limited | Modest in amount | Limited | Abundant; small, smooth, and not sticky | | Flower Shape | Regular; bowl shaped – closed during day | Shallow; have landing platform; tubular, | Large bowl-like, Magnolia | Large funnel like; cups, strong perch support | Narrow tube with spur; wide landing pad | Shallow; funnel like or complex and trap-like | Regular; tubular without a lip | Regular: small and stigmas exerted |
The table is courtesy the U.S. Forest Service's CelebratingWildflowers site.
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/syndromes.shtml#traits - Accessed on 26 October 2008.
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