Flowers play a key role in flight control for bumblebees
A bee can approach a flower from any direction, but markings on the flower help guide bees in the most effective way, like a natural air traffic control.
Tag: bumblebees
Flies can be pollen thieves but plants deal with them
Some plants tackle thieves and pollinators eating pollen by producing enough both to feed visitors and fertilise available ovules.
Bees look for more than just a warm reception from flowers
Not only can insects view ultraviolet patterns in flowers, they also seem to be sensitive enough to be able to sense heat patterns in flowers too.
Foraging responses of bumblebees to rewardless floral patches: Importance of within-plant variance in nectar presentation
Plant-insect relationships, a double-edged sword
Flowering plants have had an intimate relationship with insects for millions of years. Indeed, this is often cited as an example of co-evolution , particularly with regards to the flowers and their pollination by the insects. However, this has also given parasites millions of years to adapt too.