Butterflies

David Ehrlich idavide@sbcglobal.net
Thu, 05 Oct 2006 11:52:31 PDT
  Jim notes that in many cases it's the scent which attracts butterflies.  I knew this was true of night-flying insects - it would have to be.  It must be clear that those flowers which are perfumed have developed their perfumes to attract pollinators, not us.  Likewise, those which have beautiful flowers evolved their flowers to attract polinators, also.  For example, consider the successes of various scentless orchids.  I should imagine that shape, color and size might be at least as important as scent to daytime insect visitors.

David

 


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