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Many moth species feed on nectar from flowers as adults. Most adults are spurious pollinators, because food intake is not always necessary and are opportunistic, with each individual visiting perhaps dozens of plant species. The larvae typically feed on the flowers, fruits, stems, or roots of their host plants and in some species, the adult will feed on the nectar of the host plant and may aid in the pollination of that plant. Much of their pollinating activity takes place at night when it is difficult to observe. Of the many moth species that pollinate only a few geometer (Geometridae), owlet (Noctuidae), and sphinx (Sphingidae) moth species have been regularily studied and are considered some of the most efficient moth pollinators.
Moth families and genera common on Montana flowering plants and their larval host plants (click on the insect names in table to view images if available):
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Plant and insect names are linked to the USDA NRCS Plant Database and the Bugwood Network insectimages.org, respectively. |
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