Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which flower features attract moth pollinators?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Lepidoptera
Heliconius butterfly in South America.
Moth-pollinated flowers, known as phalaenophilous flowers, have evolved specific characteristics to attract moths, which are primarily active at night. These floral features include:1
- Color: They are typically white or light-colored, making them more visible in low-light conditions.12
- Fragrance: They are highly fragrant, often emitting sweet or musky odors to guide pollinators.12
- Nectar: They produce nectar, which is often stored in long, narrow nectar tubes that require a long proboscis to access.12
- Structure: Unlike butterfly-pollinated flowers, these blooms generally lack landing platforms because many moths, such as hawk moths, hover while feeding. The flowers are often horizontal or hanging, and their petals may be fringed.12
Common examples of plants adapted for moth pollination include jimsonweed, evening primrose, and honeysuckle.1