What is Entomophily?
Entomophily is insect pollination — the most common pollination strategy in tropical trees. Flowers attract insect visitors with colors, scents, and nectar rewards; in return, the insects carry pollen from flower to flower, enabling cross-fertilization.
Major Insect Pollinators
Bees
- The dominant pollinators of tropical trees.
- Attracted by yellow, blue, and ultraviolet-reflecting flowers.
- Collect both pollen (protein) and nectar (energy).
- In Costa Rica: stingless bees (Meliponini), carpenter bees, orchid bees.
Butterflies
- Attracted by bright red, orange, and pink flowers.
- Long proboscis reaches deep tubular flowers.
- Day-flying — visit flowers in direct sunlight.
Moths
- Attracted by white or pale, fragrant night-blooming flowers.
- Long proboscis for tubular flowers.
- Important nocturnal pollinators in tropical forests.
Beetles
- Attracted by dull-colored, strongly scented flowers.
- Ancient pollination relationship — beetles were early pollinators.
- Often damage flowers while feeding (mess-and-soil pollination).
Flies
- Attracted by dark-colored, foul-smelling flowers (mimicking rotting material).
- Important pollinators for some tropical trees including cacao.
Flower Adaptations
- Color: Targeted at specific insect visual systems.
- Scent: Chemical attractants matched to pollinator preferences.
- Nectar: Sugar reward calibrated to pollinator energy needs.
- Landing platforms: Petal shapes that accommodate insect visitors.
- Guides: UV patterns (invisible to humans) that direct insects to pollen/nectar.
Costa Rican Examples
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Pollinated by tiny midges (Ceratopogonidae) — the flowers are so small that only these 1–3 mm insects can access them.
Corteza Amarilla (Handroanthus ochraceus)
Mass flowering attracts large carpenter bees and stingless bees that ensure cross-pollination during the brief bloom period.
Why It Matters
- Food production: Most tropical fruit trees depend on insect pollination.
- Conservation: Pollinator decline threatens food security and forest reproduction.
- Ecosystem services: Insect pollination is valued at billions of dollars globally.