Why are many moth-pollinated flowers white, fragrant, and open at night?

Many moths are active at night, and flowers have evolved specific traits to attract these nocturnal pollinators through a process of coevolution. Because moths rely on their senses to locate food in low-light conditions, these flowers exhibit several key adaptations:

• Visibility: Flowers are typically white or light-colored, which makes them more visible against the dark background of the night sky or foliage.12
• Fragrance: These plants produce strong, sweet, or musky odors that help guide moths to the flower from a distance, often compensating for the lack of bright colors that attract day-flying pollinators.12
• Nocturnal Timing: By blooming at night, these flowers synchronize their availability with the activity patterns of their primary pollinators.1

Unlike butterfly-pollinated flowers, which often provide landing platforms, moth-pollinated flowers are frequently long and narrow with deep nectar tubes. This structure accommodates the moth's long proboscis and encourages the insect to hover while feeding, ensuring efficient pollination.12