Spatial and Temporal Components of Resource Assessment by Flower-Feeding Insects

(1) Per-flower insect visitation rates on two plant species within Rocky Mountain subalpine meadows were measured using fluorescent powders and found to be positively correlated with local flower density, suggesting that insects concentrate their foraging in dense patches of flowers. (2) Visitation rates on both species are also correlated with the presence of other plant species which share the same visitors; these correlations are positive, suggesting cooperative rather than competitive plant-plant relationships, at least insofar as visitation is concerned.