Thursday, January 19, 2023

Study finds flower patterns make bumblebees more efficient

 The search for nectar costs insects a lot of energy, so they have to be as efficient as possible. Colorful patterns on the petals can help with that.



Be it mallow, foxglove or forget-me-not: many  bear colorful patterns, which are known as nectar guides in biology. They are assumed to show the pollinating insects the shortest way to the nectary. This guiding function could increase the efficiency of the insects in their search for food, and at the same time improve the pollen dispersal of the plant. Read More...