When a pollinator favors a certain flower type, it is because both partners have traits that work well together. In fact, there are often several sets of corresponding traits that reinforce the relationship, bringing pollinators back again and again to their favorite flowers.
Related Content:
Visit our Flower Traits Slideshow to learn more about why pollinators visit certain flowers.
Instructions:
Look at the flowers and pollinators below. Do you notice any traits that would make a good pair?
Click on the pollinator and flower headings below to learn more about the pollinators and flowers. Drag each pollinator to the flower it is most likely to visit.
Here are a few questions to consider when making your matches:
- Can the pollinator reach the flower's nectar or pollen?
- Does the pollinator need a place to land while it feeds?
- Will pollen stick to the pollinator? Does it need to?
- Can the pollinator detect the signals (like color or scent) produced by the flower?
- Will the scent produced by a flower be appealing to the pollinator?