Britannica
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Which flower features attract butterfly pollinators?
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Lepidoptera
Heliconius butterfly in South America.
Flowers that are pollinated by butterflies, known as psychophilous flowers, possess specific characteristics designed to attract these diurnal insects.12
Key features include:
- Coloration: They are conspicuously colored, often featuring red, pink, or purple hues.12
- Structure: These flowers typically provide a landing platform, often through erect, flat-topped inflorescences, which allow butterflies to alight while feeding.12
- Nectar: They provide nectar, which is frequently stored in a deep spur.1
- Fragrance: While color is a primary guide, these flowers may also be fragrant to assist in attracting pollinators.12
Butterflies are guided to these flowers by a combination of color and scent, and some species are even capable of tasting sugar solutions with their feet. Common examples of plants with these traits include the butterfly bush, milkweed, verbena, and many members of the aster and orchid families.12