How do butterflies pollinate flowers?
Butterflies are an important component of plant ecosystems, pollinating flowers as they fly about. According to the North American Butterfly Association, butterflies prefer certain flowers and thus are considered especially important for certain areas and specific plants.Pollination DefinitionAccording to the U.S. Forest Service, pollination is, “the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma.” In this manner, plants produce seeds or fruits.Butterflies and PollinationButterflies move from flower to flower looking for nectar to drink, carrying pollen on their legs. Unlike bees, they do not carry pollen on their bodies or have any special way of carrying pollen.EfficiencyButterflies are not as efficient at cross-pollination as other insects such as bees. However, butterflies prefer specific types of flowers and likely serve an important purpose in the cross-pollination of these varieties.PlantsDifferent species of butterflies prefer different
