8o WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 



sects : in the case of the Virginia Spring Beauty 

 Mr. Robertson has recorded se\'enty-one species 

 of such visitors. The workers of the common 

 honey bee are among the most abundant of these, 

 frequenting the flowers in quest of both nectar 

 and pollen. Various species of queen bumble-bees 

 are also to be found, as well as numerous kinds 

 of smaller bees. Thirty-one species of two- 

 winged flies were seen, most of them making use 

 of both nectar and pollen, while nine sorts of 

 butterflies came to suck the nectar. Even the 

 little Spotted Ladybeetle came to feed upon the 

 pollen. 



Like so many other plants the Spring Beauties 

 sometimes exhibit decided variations in the parts 

 of the flower. In Michigan pure white flowers 

 smaller than usual have been found, with short 

 filaments and abortive anthers. 



OBSERVATIONS FOR NOTEBOOK 



Spring Beauty : 



(A) I. Which species of Spring Beauty occurs in your 

 locality? 



2. How does the plant prevent self-pollination? 



3. How does it bring about cross-pollination? 



4. How does it prevent nectar robbery by ants? 



5. Do the stripes on the petals lead toward the 



nectar? 



6. What insects have you seen visiting the flow- 



ers? 



