Butterflies are among flying insects that feed on flower nectar.
Nectar is a thin, sweet liquid produced by certain species of flowering plants. The nectar serves an important function: It attracts insects, which---while feeding on nectar---also pollinate the flowers from which they draw it. Does this Spark an idea?
Butterflies and Moths
Many butterflies and moths are drawn to flowers that produce nectar, using it as a food source. These insects typically have long, slender, coiled mouth parts with which they probe deep into flowers and draw nectar out as if through a straw.
Bees
Many types of bees, including mason bees, orchard bees, bumblebees and honey bees, also feed on nectar. Bees serve as a significant source of pollination for many crops.
Flies
Nectar is a food source for some flies. One example is the bee fly, which uses a long, straw-like mouth similar to that of butterflies to collect nectar.
Mosquitoes
The males of many species of mosquitoes feed on nectar. Although a nuisance and sometimes a threat because of the diseases they may carry, mosquitoes also serve as important pollinators.
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