Question

Enumerate the characteristic features of Entomophilous flowers.

Answer 1

The characteristic features of entomophilous flowers are as follows:

1. Flowers are generally large or if small they are aggregated in dense inflorescence. Example: Asteraceae flowers.
2. Flowers are brightly coloured. The adjacent parts of the flowers may also be brightly coloured to attract the insect. For example in Poinsettia and Bougainvillea, the bracts become colored.
3. Flowers are scented and produce nectar.
4. Flowers in which there is no secretion of nectar, the pollen is either consumed as food or used in building up of its hive by the honeybees. Pollen and nectar are the floral rewards for the visitors.
5. Flowers pollinated by flies and beetles produce foul odour to attract pollinators.
6. In some flowers, juicy cells are present which are pierced and the contents are sucked by the insects.