The Nature Library
‹ Teacher’s Corner

Flowers for Humming-birds & Insects

Ages 7 to 8 · Grade 3

Subject — Flowers That Invite Humming-birds and Insects

Teachers' References: Wild Flowers; Trees; Insects; Moths; Butterflies; Bird Neighbours.

Flowers have colour and perfume to attract insects. Nectar is hidden so that the insect must brush past stamens and pistils to get at it. The hairy body gathers pollen dust, which is unconsciously distributed from flower to flower. Thus insects are among the important agencies of cross-fertilization. By this process vigorous seeds are set by the plants.

Flowers with the deepest corolla tubes are fertilized only by humming-birds and insects with very long tongues, such as the sphinx moths, and the long-tongued bees. The following are references to Vol. IX. Many more can be found.

Some flowers that attract the humming-bird: Bush honeysuckle; coral honeysuckle; trumpet-flowers; painted-cup; jewelweed; columbine; fire pink

What is the humming-bird's favourite colour?

Some flowers that attract Sphinx Moths: Sweet wild honeysuckle; Chinese honeysuckle; evening primrose; Jamestown weed; moonflower; white lilies; yellow orchis.

Some flowers that feed long-tongued bees: Canada lily; water lily; trillium; turtlehead; gentian.

What is the favourite colour of bumble bees?

Some flowers that feed butterflies. Milkweed; fire pink; hepatica; fringed orchis; violet.

Some flowers that feed short-tongued insects. Indian hemp; sweet pepperbush; blood root.

An afternoon lesson outdoors shows insects feeding on flowers.

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