Interdependence of Butterflies and Flowers

• Adult butterflies pollinate many different plant species, and many flowers have specific adaptations for attracting them.
• Many butterfly attractors bear dense clusters of small flowers that enable the butterfly to sip nectar simply by moving its proboscis from one blossom to another. This allows the butterfly to conserve energy while feeding.
• Most butterflies and many other insects can see ultraviolet, a color invisible to human eyes. Many flowers and butterfly wings include ultraviolet in their color mix. Within a species, the presence or absence of these markings typically helps to differentiate between males and females.
• Flowers also use the secret communication line of ultraviolet. The flower’s color, form, aroma and nectar-guides work in combination as signals and signposts to efficiently guide the butterfly or other insect to the source of nectar.
• The blooms that we enjoy with our eyes and noses are also the beacons, landing platforms and launching pads for pollinators. In the process, insects get dusted with pollen, which they carry to other flowers. This, in turn, helps the plants produce seeds and reproduce.
• Most butterflies prefer flowers that are pink, red, purple or yellow and that are open all day. Most moths lean toward pale or white flowers that open in the evening.