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Which animals pollinate most Asteraceae species?
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Asteraceae
The flowering head of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is formed of yellow, petal-like ray flowers and a brown center of minute disk flowers.
Most species within the Asteraceae family are pollinated by diverse types of insects. Because the individual flowers of most Asteraceae are relatively small and their nectar is easily accessible, they attract a wide variety of insect visitors rather than relying on specialized pollinators with long mouthparts.1
Bees are particularly significant in this process, as they are among the most important animal pollinators for the family. While insects are the primary agents of pollination for the majority of the family, there are exceptions:23
- Wind pollination: A minority of Asteraceae species, particularly those in the tribes Heliantheae and Anthemideae, are pollinated by wind and typically possess small, inconspicuous flower heads.13
- Bird pollination: This is uncommon within the family, though the tropical American genus Mutisia serves as a notable exception.1