Insects That Pollinate an Argyreia Nervosa

Pollination

• Pollination is the process whereby a species of flower is propagated. Like animals, flowers have specialized reproductive organs for the passage of hereditary genetic information from one generation to the next. The female organs are the style, ovary and stigma; the male part is the stamen. Attracted by the sweet nectar produced by the flowers, an insect sets down and pollen from the male stamen is picked up. The insect flies off, and when it comes to rest on another flower, the pollen from the male organ of the previous one is dispersed, and it then fertilizes the female eggs.

Hawk Moth

• The hawk moth can be differentiated from other Argyreia nervosa pollinators in that it does its work at night rather than in the daylight hours. This moth is more attracted to the paler flower colors on the Hawaiian baby woodrose like creamy whites and light pinks. Drawn by the color and the sugar in the flower's nectar, the hawk moth will travel speeds of up to 30 mph to reach its goal. After obtaining the nectar from one flower on the Argyreia nervosa, it moves on to the next.

Bees

• Bees are attracted to a number of flowers, Argyreia nervosa being only one. Like other Argyreia nervosa insects that contribute to pollination, the bee is drawn to the plant by the scent of nectar. In contrast to the hawk moth, the bee is an active Argyreia nervosa pollinator during the daylight hours. Its attention is more typically caught by brightly colored flowers, such as the deep violets and blues the Hawaiian baby woodrose can have, rather than pale colors.

Wasps

• A less common but nonetheless active Argyreia nervosa pollinator is the wasp. During daylight hours, wasps may rove from one flowering Hawaiian baby woodrose to another as the bright colors and olfactory cues attract them. It does not contribute to pollination in this plant as often as bees, but it still may unwittingly participate from time to time.