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Why are moth-pollinated flowers often pale, strongly scented, and open at night?

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A honeybee collects pollen from the yellow stamens of a pink and cream honeysuckle flower against a blurred green background. — Pollination Common carder bumblebee (*Bombus pascuorum*) pollinating a honeysuckle (*Lonicera* species) flower.

Moth-pollinated flowers, known as phalaenophilous flowers, have evolved specific traits to attract their pollinators, which are primarily active at night.12

These flowers are typically white or light-colored, which makes them more visible to moths in low-light conditions. Because most moths are nocturnal, these plants bloom at night to coincide with the insects' period of activity. To further guide moths to the flowers from a distance, these plants produce strong, sweet, or musky fragrances.12

Unlike butterfly-pollinated flowers, which often provide a landing platform, moth-pollinated flowers are frequently long and narrow, as many moths, such as hawk moths, hover while they feed. This specialized floral structure ensures that the moth's proboscis is correctly positioned to reach the nectar hidden at the base of the flower, facilitating effective pollination.12