There are truly many insects in the world, in fact it is estimated that there are more than a million species, an impressive number. One of the fundamental roles of some of them is precisely that of being tied to pollination, i.e. a crucial process regarding plant reproduction. It is a sort of symbiotic relationship between insects and flowers, which over the centuries has led to the implementation of certain mechanisms thanks to which flowers themselves are able to attract them and guide them in order to obtain effective fertilization.
How pollination works: the role of insects
Insects play a fundamental role in pollination, since it is thanks to them that i flower and plant pollen they can be brought to fertile lands in which to take root and consequently develop. There are several aspects that appear to be important in this procedure, namely visual attraction, olfactory attraction and also other mechanisms.
First, speaking of visual attraction reference is made to bright colors of flowers which serve to attract pollinating insects, such as bees, butterflies and beetles, and not only that, which are attracted by certain color spectrums. To give just one example, the Bees are sensitive to blue colors and ultraviolet and some plants have designs that reflect this type of light, becoming like a beacon for the bees themselves.
As for instead the olfactory attraction, the flowers produce fragrances capable of attracting insects, which can be sweet, floral, musky or more pungent. Generally the first two are more intense at night, as they serve to attract moths for example. Other plants, however, have developed a very interesting technique, given that they are able to emit volatile compounds that they imitate pheromones of insects.
Precisely regarding this last point, some flowers use a technique called mimicry, thanks to which they manage to imitate the appearance and scent of the females of some insect species, consequently deceiving the males who, by attempting to mate with the flower, facilitate pollination. This is the case for example of orchids of this genus Ophrys.
Pollenmoreover, turns out to be one nutritional resource especially for bees, given that it is rich in proteins, vitamins and lipids which are fundamental for the development of the larvae and consequently being able to obtain pollen, but also nectar, is an incentive that leads these insects to stop on the flowers.
These continuous interactions are fundamental to nature and for biodiversitysince thanks to pollinators around 75% of the world’s food cultures can continue and consequently the ecosystems remain stable. It is essential, in fact, to reduce the use of pesticides and protect these insects, given that they allow us to survive.
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