Insects and Pollinia

A large number of individuals of many insect species visited the flowers of milk—weed (Asclepias spp.). Most of these insects revealed pollinia attached to various appendages. Some were captured and held prisoners; others were able to free themselves. A relatively small number were able to avoid these traps. The largest number of pollinia adhered to the hairs of the tarsi, pulvilli, and mouth parts. This might be expected as these are the appendages most closely associated with flower visitation.