Plant Image Collection

CA06-001Actions

Main Information

CA06-001
Title
A hover fly uses its vacuum-like mouth to remove pollen from an anther of a <em>
Author
Anna Jacobsen Michigan State University Plant Biology jacob115@msu.edu
Keywords
Phacelia, Hover fly, pollination, flower, California
Description
BSA Plant Images Online - Hydrophyllaceae, Phacelia sp.
The arid habitat of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve, USA, appears dry and lifeless for much of the year, but following the rainy season it bursts with the brilliant colors of the spring wildflower bloom. Many insects can be seen flying about pollinating flowers as they collect nectar and pollen. In this photo, a hover fly can be seen collecting pollen from a Phacelia (Hydrophyllaceae) flower. The fly has a short thick vacuum-like mouth, which it uses to suck up pollen from the flower anther. Although hover flies eat much of the pollen they collect, they also provide a valuable service to flowers by transferring pollen from one flower to another.
Additional data
copyright: Jacobsen, BSA
license: http://images.botany.org/index.html#license
Collection
Pollination Ecology Quick view
Botanical Name
Hydrophyllaceae, <em>Phacelia</em> sp.
Location Area
Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve
Location State
California
Location Country
USA
Categories
  • Image
  • Not a cover image

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