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* * * * As the insect pollinator comes in to the flower to drink the nectar it brushes past the anthers which release pollen grains. * On the following visit to another flower (of the same species), for another sip of nectar the pollen grains are brushed on to the stigma. The stigma is the female part of the plant and is slightly sticky when it is ready to receive pollen. Q: In what ways might a flower ensure that it attracts a pollinator? * The pollen grains travel down the style and fertilization takes place. * * * Bee on eucalypt; Blue triangle butterfly; Thrip; Paper wasp; Adult emperor gum moth; Blowfly on eucalypt; Jewel beetle; Hoverfly on lantana * * Bees are the primary pollinators and this bee clearly shows why! Bees have developed a number of adaptations that make them particularly good pollen carriers. Bees have special hairs that are arranged to form pollen baskets on their hindlegs and the underside of their abdomen. These adaptations allow them to gather and carry large volumes of pollen. Bees are ideal pollinators because they visit many flowers while carrying lots of pollen, before returning to their nest. So the chance that a bee will transfer the pollen between flowers of the same species is very high. Bees collect pollen and nectar not only for themselves but also to feed their young. (Pollen contain the genetic information of the plant needed for reproduction). Leaf cutter bees cut pieces of leaves for protecting, lining or sealing their nests. More info: nectar concentration and pollen theft (.au/movie/Solitary-bees-the-efficient-pollinators and .au/movie/Concentrating-the-nectar) * * Flowers have many “cues’ to attract birds and insects to visit them. P2p is concerned with insect pollination alone Colours: are used to attract all pollinators Bees preferentially visit all colours other than red (they cannot “see” red, but can see what human eyes can’t…ultra-violet Moths emerge in the evening and are attracted to white or cream flow