How does flower shape affect pollinators?

How does flower shape affect pollinators?

A bee using its long tongue (Silhouette through the side of the flower) to access the nectar at the base of a flower with a long tubular head. Photo: © M Batley.

Flower form can restrict access to pollen and nectar for only the insects that have the right tools or skills. For example, the nectar at the bottom of a long tubular flower can only be accessed by insects, which have long mouthparts, such as butterflies, moths, flies and bees, which have long-lapping 'tongues'.

The flower shape can be so limiting, to a certain type of behavior may be required for access to pollen. For example, "Buzz pollination" is needed to pollinate many Hibberta species. It is practiced by the blue striped Bee and a number of native Australian carpenter bees, and includes bee farm on the site and vibrating the pollen out.

The relationship between flower shape and location of nectar is also used by plants to attract certain insects. Many legumes (eg Luzern), has hidden nectar, which can be opened only by big, strong bees like Leaf Cutter or Resin Bees. The flowers of these plants are closed. It is only by pushing down on the lower parts of the flower that opens up to allow access to the nectar. As spring flower pollen is flung open to taking body of bees. www.bugwise.net.au