POLLINATION RELATIONSHIPS

NATIVES (N) - INVASIVES (I) - EXOTICS (E)

This Monarch Butterfly (N) samples sweet nectar from a New England Aster (N) mid morning on the Wetland East Meadow buffer (fall, 08).  Large and small white dots are sprinkled around the edges of her 2 pair of wings. The Aster’s flower head is dark rose purple to pink and approx. 3.0 cm. How does the Monarch’s activity help the Aster (hint: pollination)? Can you identify the differences of the Monarch and Viceroy? How does the Monarch help the Viceroy?

The Smooth Aster (N) is 20-100 cm in height. Its stem is waxy and the leaves are spoon shaped. Flower heads are approx. 2.0 cm wide and pale blue, mauve or white. A hairy stem and flower heads that are less than 1.0 cm wide are characteristics of the Heath Aster (N). Can you name the yellow butterfly here with the black dots (think ‘Sulphur’)? How do these life forms support the Wetland Community? (fall/08)

Canada Goldenrod (N) is a very important honey plant for butterflies and honey bees. It contains protein rich pollen that helps honey bees over winter. The Monarch is taking pollen out of the New England Aster (N) flowerets to the left of this yellow Goldenrod. There are so many mutually beneficial relationships between the life forms that make up the Wetland buffers. (fall/08)