Flower_constancy
Flower constancy
Tendency to visit certain flower species
Flower constancy or pollinator constancy is the tendency of individual pollinators to exclusively visit certain flower species or morphs within a species, bypassing other available flower species that could potentially contain more nectar.[1][2][3] This type of foraging behavior puts selective pressures on floral traits in a process called pollinator-mediated selection. Flower constancy is different from other types of insect specialization such as innate preferences for certain colors or flower types, or the tendency of pollinators to visit the most rewarding and abundant flowers.[3]
Flower constancy has been observed for insect pollinators: especially honeybees (Apis mellifera),[4] a bumblebee (Bombus terrestris),[5][6] and a butterfly (Thymelicus sylvestris).[7] For example, honeybees have demonstrated a preference for certain flower types and constantly return even if other more rewarding flowers are available. This is shown for example in experiments where honeybees remain flower constant and do not attempt to feed on other available flowers that exhibit an alternative color to their preferred flower type.[4]