80 WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 
sects: in the case of the Virginia Spring Beauty 
Mr. Robertson has recorded seventy-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 ustial have been found, with short 
filaments and abortive anthers. 
OBSERVATIONS FOR NOTEBOOK 
Sprinc Beauty: 
(A) 1. Which species of Spring Beauty occurs in your 
locality ? 
How does the plant prevent self-pollination? 
How does it bring about cross-pollination ? 
How does it prevent nectar robbery by ants? 
Do the stripes on the petals lead toward the 
nectar? 
What insects have you seen visiting the flow- 
ers? 
On Be GaN 
an 
