Flower visitation patterns of some species of Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera)
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花的植物观察与写作英语作文English Answer:Flowers are a mesmerizing spectacle of nature, captivating our senses with their vibrant hues, delicate textures, and alluring fragrances. From the grandeur of a blooming rose to the simplicity of a daisy, each flower possesses a unique charm and beauty.The morphology of flowers varies greatly depending on the species. Some flowers, like daisies, have prominent ray florets (petals) arranged around a central disc floret. Orchids, on the other hand, exhibit intricate and often symmetrical floral architecture. Sepals and petals form the perianth, which encloses the reproductive structures: stamens and pistils.The colors of flowers are determined by pigments such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light, reflectingthe colors we perceive. Red flowers, for instance, absorb blue and green wavelengths, reflecting red. The function of flower color is primarily to attract pollinators, such as insects, birds, and mammals.The scent of flowers is produced by volatile compounds called terpenes. These compounds can have a wide range of odors, from the sweet fragrance of roses to the pungent smell of skunk cabbage. Like color, scent plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators.Flowers exhibit a remarkable diversity in terms of reproductive strategies. Some flowers, such as orchids, have evolved highly specialized pollination mechanisms that involve specific pollinators. Others, like sunflowers, produce abundant pollen and nectar to attract a wide range of pollinating agents.The ecological significance of flowers is profound. They are fundamental to pollination, a process that ensures the reproduction of many plant species. Additionally, flowers serve as a food source for numerous organisms,including insects, bats, and hummingbirds.Chinese Answer:花朵是自然界中迷人的奇观,用它们鲜艳的色彩,细腻的纹理和诱人的香气吸引着我们的感官。
花卉考博英语作文Title: The Beauty and Importance of Flowers。
Flowers, with their delicate petals and vibrant colors, hold a significant place in human culture and the natural world. From ancient times to the present day, they have symbolized various emotions, meanings, and even scientific significance. In this essay, we will explore the beauty and importance of flowers, touching upon their cultural, ecological, and aesthetic significance.First and foremost, flowers play a crucial role in ecosystems worldwide. They serve as reproductive structures for plants, facilitating pollination and the production of seeds. Through pollination, flowers enable the continuation of plant species and contribute to the biodiversity of our planet. Additionally, many insects, birds, and other animals rely on flowers for nectar, pollen, and shelter, forming intricate ecological networks that sustain life.Moreover, flowers have deep cultural significance across different societies and civilizations. They have been used in rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations for millennia. For example, in many cultures, flowers are essential elements in wedding ceremonies, symbolizing love, purity, and new beginnings. Similarly, flowers are often offered as gifts to express condolences, congratulations, or affection. Furthermore, numerous myths, legends, and literary works incorporate flowers as symbols of beauty, life, and the passage of time.Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of flowers has inspired artists, poets, and designers throughout history. From the intricate patterns of petals to the subtle variations in color, flowers captivate our senses and evoke emotions of joy, serenity, and wonder. Artists have depicted flowers in various forms, from still-life paintings to elaborate garden designs, seeking to capture their ephemeral beauty and essence. Moreover, the fragrance of flowers has been utilized in perfumery and aromatherapy, offering therapeutic benefits and sensory experiences.In addition to their ecological, cultural, and aesthetic significance, flowers also play practical roles in various human endeavors. For instance, many flowers have medicinal properties and have been used in traditional healing practices for centuries. From relieving pain to treating infections, certain flowers contain compounds that possess therapeutic effects. Furthermore, flowers are cultivated for economic purposes, including the floral industry, horticulture, and agriculture. They are grown for ornamental purposes, as well as for food production, such as edible flowers used in culinary dishes and beverages.In conclusion, flowers hold immense beauty and importance in our world, touching every aspect of humanlife and the environment. From their ecological role in sustaining ecosystems to their cultural symbolism and aesthetic appeal, flowers enrich our lives in countless ways. As we appreciate and cherish the diversity of flowers around us, let us also recognize the need to protect and conserve them for future generations to enjoy.。
观察一种花的颜色气味形状拟人英语作文英文回答:When it comes to observing a flower, there are several aspects that can be taken into account to provide a comprehensive description. These aspects include its color, scent, shape, and even its perceived personality traits when personified.Color:Flowers come in a wide array of colors, each with its own unique significance. Red flowers, for instance, are often associated with passion, love, and romance. Yellow flowers symbolize joy, optimism, and friendship. Blue flowers represent tranquility, peace, and harmony. Purple flowers exude royalty, luxury, and spirituality. White flowers signify purity, innocence, and new beginnings.Scent:The scent of a flower is another captivating attribute that can evoke emotions and create a lasting impression. Roses are renowned for their sweet, alluring fragrance. Lavender possesses a calming, soothing scent that promotes relaxation. Jasmine exudes a sensual, intoxicating aroma. Lily of the valley has a delicate, fresh scent that is both refreshing and uplifting. Honeysuckle boasts a sweet, heady fragrance that is synonymous with summer nights.Shape:The shape of a flower can also reveal its character. Roses are characterized by their classic, symmetrical blooms. Tulips have elongated, trumpet-shaped flowers that evoke a sense of elegance. Orchids exhibit exotic,intricate blossoms that resemble delicate butterflies. Sunflowers possess large, cheerful faces that radiate warmth and optimism. Daffodils have cheerful, trumpet-shaped flowers that herald the arrival of spring.Personification:When flowers are personified, they are endowed with human-like qualities and characteristics. Some flowers may be perceived as gentle and graceful, while others exude a sense of boldness and confidence. Roses are often associated with elegance, beauty, and romance. Tulips embody joy, optimism, and playfulness. Orchids represent sophistication, allure, and mystery. Sunflowers possess a cheerful, optimistic personality that brings happiness to all who behold them. Daffodils symbolize hope, renewal, and the triumph of the human spirit.中文回答:颜色:花卉呈现出千姿百态的色彩,每一种色彩都具有独特的含义。
观察一种花仔细描写作文英文回答:Gazing upon the delicate petals of this exquisite flower, I am captivated by its allure. The rich hues of its vibrant petals dance in the gentle breeze, creating a captivating spectacle of colors. Its velvety textureinvites a gentle caress, as if it yearns to share itstender secrets.The intricate patterns adorning the petals are a testament to nature's artistry. Each vein, each curve, and each subtle variation of shade contribute to a symphony of beauty. Like a skilled painter's brushstrokes, the vibrant pigments blend seamlessly, creating a masterpiece that surpasses any earthly creation.At the heart of the flower lies its reproductive organs, emblems of life and renewal. The vibrant stamens, ladenwith golden pollen, stand proudly erect, awaiting thearrival of pollinators. The delicate pistil, adorned with a feathery stigma, beckons insects to carry out their vital role in nature's grand scheme.As I behold this floral marvel, I am filled with a profound sense of awe and wonder. Its beauty transcends the physical realm, touching my soul with its ethereal essence. It is a living embodiment of nature's boundless creativity, a reminder of the infinite beauty that surrounds us in the world.中文回答:注视着这朵精致的花朵,它的魅力让我着迷。
观察花的结构英语作文Observing the Structure of Flowers。
Flowers are one of the most beautiful creations of nature. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its unique structure. As an avid nature enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the intricate details of flowers and how they are structured. In this essay, I will share my observations of the structure of flowers and the beauty they hold.One of the most striking features of flowers is their petals. Petals are the colorful, leaf-like structures that surround the reproductive parts of the flower. They come in a wide range of colors, from vibrant reds and yellows to soft blues and pinks. The petals not only attract pollinators like bees and butterflies but also protect the reproductive organs of the flower.The reproductive organs of a flower consist of thestamen and pistil. The stamen is the male reproductive organ, which consists of the filament and anther. The filament is a slender stalk that supports the anther, where pollen is produced. The pistil, on the other hand, is the female reproductive organ, which consists of the stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma is the sticky surface where pollen grains land, the style is the tube that connects the stigma to the ovary, and the ovary contains the ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization.The structure of a flower also includes the sepals, which are the small, leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud before it blooms. Sepals are usually green but can also be colorful in some flowers. They play a crucial role in protecting the delicate petals and reproductive organs of the flower.Another fascinating aspect of flower structure is the nectar glands. Nectar glands are tiny structures that produce nectar, a sugary liquid that attracts pollinators. Bees, butterflies, and other insects are drawn to the sweet nectar and inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower toanother, facilitating pollination.In addition to their structural beauty, flowers also have a symbolic meaning in many cultures. They are often used to express love, gratitude, and sympathy. Different flowers have different meanings, with roses symbolizing love, lilies symbolizing purity, and daisies symbolizing innocence.Overall, the structure of flowers is a testament to the beauty and complexity of nature. From the delicate petals to the intricate reproductive organs, each part plays a vital role in the survival and reproduction of the plant. By observing and appreciating the structure of flowers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the wonders it holds.。
赏花之处的英语作文Title: The Beauty of Flower Appreciation。
Flowers, with their vibrant colors, delicate petals,and enchanting fragrances, hold a special place in the hearts of people worldwide. The act of appreciating flowers, whether in a botanical garden, a countryside meadow, or a carefully tended backyard, offers a multitude of enriching experiences. In this essay, we delve into the various aspects that make flower appreciation a delightful and fulfilling pursuit.Firstly, the aesthetic appeal of flowers is undeniable. Each blossom is a masterpiece of nature, showcasing an exquisite combination of shapes, colors, and textures. From the velvety softness of a rose petal to the intricate patterns of a sunflower's center, flowers captivate the senses and evoke feelings of wonder and admiration. Whether arranged in a bouquet or scattered across a field, they infuse their surroundings with beauty and charm.Moreover, the act of observing flowers can have a profound impact on our well-being. Studies have shown that spending time in nature, including flower-filled environments, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The sight and scent of flowers can uplift our spirits, instilling a sense of tranquility and inner peace. Intoday's fast-paced world, where technology often dominates our attention, taking the time to appreciate flowers allows us to reconnect with the natural world and rejuvenate our minds and bodies.Furthermore, flower appreciation provides valuable opportunities for learning and discovery. Botanical gardens, with their diverse collections of plant species, offer a wealth of educational resources for visitors of all ages.By exploring these botanical havens, we can deepen our understanding of plant biology, ecology, and conservation. Additionally, observing flowers in their natural habitats allows us to appreciate the intricate relationships between plants, pollinators, and the environment, fostering agreater appreciation for the interconnectedness of allliving things.In addition to their visual and therapeutic benefits, flowers also play a crucial role in cultural and symbolic contexts. Throughout history, flowers have been used to convey messages of love, friendship, and condolence. From the red rose, symbolizing romantic passion, to the white lily, representing purity and renewal, flowers have the power to communicate complex emotions and sentiments. Furthermore, many cultures incorporate flowers into their traditional rituals and celebrations, further emphasizing their significance in human society.Lastly, flower appreciation encourages environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. As we marvel at the beauty of flowers, we become more aware of the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting endangered plant species. By supporting initiatives aimed at conserving floral biodiversity and promoting sustainable gardening practices, we can contribute to the preservation of floral diversity for future generations to enjoy.In conclusion, the act of appreciating flowers offers a multitude of benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. From their aesthetic beauty to their therapeutic effects, flowers enrich our lives in countless ways. By taking the time to observe, admire, and learn from thefloral wonders that surround us, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its many marvels. So, let us pause, breathe in the intoxicating fragrance of a blooming flower, and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us.。
观察花的形态英文作文Title: Observing Floral Morphology。
Flowers are nature's exquisite masterpieces, each bearing a unique combination of shapes, colors, and patterns. Observing their morphology reveals a fascinating insight into the intricacies of plant life. In this essay, we delve into the diverse forms of flowers and the significance behind their variations.Firstly, the structure of a flower comprises severalkey components, each serving a specific function in theplant's reproductive process. The outermost layer, known as the sepals, protects the developing bud. Beneath the sepals lie the petals, which often display vibrant colors toattract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Thecentral part of the flower contains the reproductive organs, including the stamen (male) and the pistil (female). These reproductive structures play a vital role in fertilization, ensuring the continuation of the plant species.One of the most intriguing aspects of floral morphology is the incredible diversity observed among different species. Flowers vary in size, shape, color, scent, and arrangement, reflecting adaptations to their respective environments and pollination strategies. For instance, flowers pollinated by birds, such as hummingbirds, often have long tubular shapes and bright red or orange colors to attract their avian visitors. In contrast, flowers thatrely on wind pollination tend to have inconspicuous petals and produce large quantities of lightweight pollen for efficient dispersal.Furthermore, the symmetry of a flower's petals provides valuable insights into its evolutionary history and pollination mechanisms. Radial symmetry, where petals are arranged in a circular pattern, is characteristic of flowers pollinated by a wide range of insects. On the other hand, bilateral symmetry, where petals are arranged asymmetrically along a central axis, is often associated with specialized pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This adaptation ensures that the pollinator comes intocontact with the flower's reproductive structures while foraging for nectar, increasing the chances of successful pollination.Another fascinating aspect of floral morphology is the phenomenon of convergent evolution, where unrelated plant species develop similar floral traits due to shared ecological pressures. For example, both orchids and certain species of the pea family (Fabaceae) exhibit specialized flowers adapted for deceptive pollination, luring pollinators with visual or olfactory cues without providing any rewards such as nectar or pollen. Despite their evolutionary divergence, these unrelated plant groups have converged on similar strategies to ensure pollination success.Moreover, the study of floral morphology extends beyond aesthetic appreciation to practical applications in fields such as agriculture, horticulture, and botany. By understanding the unique features of different flowers, scientists can develop improved breeding techniques, enhance crop yields, and conserve endangered plant species.Additionally, horticulturists can use knowledge of floral morphology to create visually stunning gardens and landscapes, selecting plant varieties with complementary colors, shapes, and blooming periods.In conclusion, observing the morphology of flowers unveils a rich tapestry of adaptations shaped by millions of years of evolution. From the intricate structures of reproductive organs to the dazzling array of colors and patterns, each flower tells a unique story of survival and reproduction in the natural world. By studying floral morphology, we gain not only a deeper appreciation for the beauty of plants but also valuable insights into their ecological roles and evolutionary relationships.。
赏花的规则英语作文七年级【中英文实用版】**Rules for Flower Viewing**Flower viewing is a delightful activity that allows us to appreciate the beauty of nature.However, it is important to follow certain rules to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience and that the flowers are protected.Here are some rules for flower viewing that we should keep in mind.Firstly, we must not pick the flowers.It is essential to let them grow and flourish naturally for others to enjoy.Secondly, we should not step on the flower beds or walk through restricted areas.This helps to preserve the plants and maintain the garden"s beauty.Additionally, we should avoid making loud noises as they can disturb other visitors and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.When taking photographs, it is crucial to be mindful of our surroundings and not block the views of others.We should also make sure that tripods or any other equipment do not damage the plants.Littering is strictly prohibited.We should always carry a bag to store our trash and dispose of it in designated bins.It is important to follow the instructions of the garden staff and respect any signs or barriers put in place for our safety and the protection of the stly, we should be considerate of other visitors bykeeping our pets at home and not smoking in the flower viewing areas.By adhering to these rules, we can ensure that our flower viewing experience is not only enjoyable but also responsible and respectful towards nature and others.**赏花的规则**赏花是一项让人愉悦的活动,它让我们能够欣赏到大自然的美丽。
观察事物花儿开放的作文英文回答:Observing the Phenomenal Blossom of Flowers.Flowers, with their resplendent colors and delicate fragrances, have captivated the human imagination for centuries. Their ephemeral beauty, symbolizing life's fleeting nature, has inspired poets, artists, andscientists alike. As a keen observer of the natural world,I have spent countless hours marveling at the intricate details and processes involved in the blossoming of flowers.One of the most fascinating aspects of flower development is the role of sunlight. As a vital source of energy, sunlight triggers the production of chlorophyll,the green pigment that allows plants to absorb and utilize light for photosynthesis. This process is essential for the synthesis of sugars, which provide the building blocks for the growth and development of the flower.The opening of a flower bud, a process known as anthesis, is a delicate and synchronized event. As the bud matures, the sepals, which are the protective outer layersof the bud, begin to separate, allowing the petals to unfurl. The petals, often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, serve to attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.Pollination is a crucial step in the reproductive cycle of flowers. When a pollinator visits a flower, it transfers pollen from the male anthers to the female stigma. This process allows for fertilization, resulting in theformation of seeds, which can later develop into new plants.The blooming of flowers is not only essential for reproduction but also plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Flowers provide nectar, a sugary substance, which serves as a valuable food source for insects and other creatures. The bright colors and fragrances of flowers also contribute to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, enrichingour lives with their aesthetic and ecological significance.中文回答:观察花朵盛开。
13 FLOWER VISITATION PATTERNS OF L YCAENIDAEBIOLOGICAL LETT. 2005, 42(1): 13 19Available online at .plFlower visitation patternsof some species of Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera)MAREK B¥KOWSKI1 and MACIEJ BOROÑ21 Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Adam MickiewiczUniversity, Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznañ, Poland; e-mail: bakowski@.pl2 Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Miczurina 20,60-318 Poznañ, Poland(Received on 17th June 2004; Revised on 10th January 2005;Accepted on 15th March 2005)Abstract: The paper presents flower visitation patterns of 4 species of Lycaenidae, observed in meadows near the city of Poznañ (western Poland) in 2001 2002. Polyommatus icarus (Rott.) and Plebeius argyrognomon (Bgstr.) used broad ranges of flowers as nectar sources: 19 and 14 plant species, respectively. These butterflies fed most frequently on flowers of Lotus corniculatus. The univoltine species Polyommatus semiargus (Rott.) and P. amandus (Schn.) generally directed their foraging activities towards a limited number of available plants. P. semiargus visited 5 species of plants, most frequently Lathyrus pratensis and Vicia spp. P. amandus visited 4 plant species, most frequently Vicia cracca. A relationship between adults of all 4 butterfly species studied and the plants belonging to the family Fabaceae has been confirmed.Key words: Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, butterflies, preferences, flowers, foraging, voltinism, PolandINTRODUCTIONButterflies are often considered to be opportunistic foragers that visit a wide variety of available flowers (e.g. S HARP et al. 1974, DÓSA 1999). However, their choice of flowers is not random and they often exhibit distinct flower preferences, which can differ between species (J ENNERSTEN 1984). The choice of plants as nec-tar sources by butterflies depends on various factors, including innate colour prefer-ences (I LSE 1932, J OLIVET 1986, W EISS 1997, P ARISET & R ACHELI 1998, DÓSA 1999). The effectiveness of butterfly foraging depends in part on corolla depth, clustering of flowers, but also on proboscis length, which limits the range of flowers from which nectar can be extracted (P ORTER et al. 1992, C ORBET 2000). The floral scent is an important cue signal used by butterflies initially to identify and subsequently to rec-ognize and distinguish among rewarding plants (A NDERSSON 2003).14M. B¹kowski and M. BoroñSeveral authors have shown that nectar quality, quantity and concentration affect the longevity and reproduction of butterflies (e.g. M URPHY et al. 1984, H ILL & P IERCE 1989, E RHARDT & R USTERHOLTZ 1998, R USTERHOLZ & E RHARD 2000). It has been also documented that different generations of bivoltine or multivoltine species may change their preferences due to seasonal variations in available flowers (L OERTSCHER et al. 1995, P ARISET & R ACHELI 1998, R USTERHOLZ & E RHARD 2000).Although the foraging behaviour of butterflies has been a subject of interest to many authors, their food preferences and the range of plant species chosen as a source of nutrition are still poorly recognised. Little is known about differentiation of food resources in relation to the appearance of butterflies in different periods of the flight season. This paper presents data on flower visitation patterns for selected lycaenid species of varied voltinism.THE SPECIESFrom among 54 butterfly species recorded in the area of observation, 4 short-tongued species were selected for detailed analysis. These species were character-ised by distinct territoriality and relatively slow flight and were rather abundantly represented in the study area. One of the selected species, Plebeius argyrognomon (Bergsträsser, 1779), has two generations a year. Polyommatus icarus (Rottemburg, 1775) usually has also two generations a year but in hot summers some individuals of the third generation can appear from mid-September to early October. However, only two generations of P. icarus were subjected to the analysis. The last two spe-cies Polyommatus amandus (Schneider, 1792)and Polyommatus semiargus (Rot-temburg, 1775) have only one generation and they fly mainly in June and July. The caterpillars of all these butterflies develop on various plants of the family Fa-baceae (B USZKO & M AS£OWSKI 1993, T OLMAN & L EWINGTON 1999).STUDY AREA AND METHODSField research was conducted in meadows near Suchy Las a village about 5 km north of Poznañ (W Poland). In the north, the area borders on the Biedrusko military area, which has a rich flora and fauna. Observations were made along 4 transects (4 m wide and 110 124 m long) chosen to represent the diversity of nectar-producing plants in this area. The first two transects were delimited in a dry meadow sheltered by trees and shrubs. The next two were delimited in a semi-natural meadow covered with hygrophilous (near the water courses) and xerophilous vegetation.The observations were conducted in summer in 2001 and 2002, from early June to late August, every ±5 days (depending on the weather), in the time of the greatest activity of butterfly foraging, i.e. from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. This time range of the greatest activity of butterflies was established in a pilot study in 2000, and a similar time range was given by, e.g., G ONSETH (1992).In each transect all visits of all lycaenids studied to flowering nectar-produc-ing plants were recorded if a butterfly definitely probed a flower rather than was just resting on it. The duration of the visits was also recorded. The observations were15FLOWER VISITATION PATTERNS OF L YCAENIDAEmade from a distance of about 1.5 m. Visit duration was counted from the moment of dipping the proboscis in the flower corolla till the moment of its withdrawal. The plants were identified according to the key by R UTKOWSKI (1998). The species of Vicia visited by the butterfly was often not identified during observations, because V. cracca and V. cassubica grew on the same spot and individual plants were inter-twined. Therefore in the tables with the results only the generic name is given.RESULTSThe total number of observed visits to flowers was 600. The great majority of observations were those of the males, so the food preferences of males and females were not separated. From among 56 species of flowering plants (excluding wind-pollinated ones) recorded along the transects, 25 species were visited by the 4 but-terfly species (Table 1).Table 1. Number (N) and duration (T, in seconds) of visits of the four butterfly species to their nectar plants16M. B¹kowski and M. BoroñAccording to the observations, P. icarus drank nectar from as many as 19 plant species (Table 1). This butterfly species, especially its 2nd generation, most frequently visited the flowers of Lotus corniculatus (64% of all visits). In June 2001, P. icarus visited 8 plant species, but in July and August it visited 7 plant species. In 2002, the 1st generation visited 7 plant species, whereas the 2nd generation visited 10 plant species.P. argyrognomon fed on nectar of 14 plant species, most frequently 4 species with yellow flowers: Lotus corniculatus (32% of all visits), Tanacetum vulgare (25%),Lathyrus pratensis (13%) and Potentilla repens (9%) (Table 1). In 2001, the 1st generation of P. argyrognomon visited 7 plant species (most often Potentilla repens ),and the 2nd generation visited also 7 plant species (most often Lotus corniculatus ).In June 2002, the 1st generation of P. argyrognomon visited 4 plant species (most often Lathyrus pratensis ), whereas the 2nd generation visited 6 plant species (most often Tanacetum vulgare and Lotus corniculatus ).The univoltine species used a narrow range of flowers species as food resources (Table 1). P. amandus visited 4 plant species, with distinct preference for Vicia spp.(84% of all visits), especially for V. cracca . P. semiargus visited flowers of 5 spe-cies, most often those of Vicia spp. (55%) and Lathyrus pratensis (37%). It must be added that L. pratensis individuals were less abundant in the area, therefore the sig-nificance of this species as a source of nectar can be greater than that of Vicia spp.It follows from the observations that the butterflies most often drank nectar from short-Fig. 1. Frequency of visits of the studied butterfly species to their nectar plants in classes of visit dur-ation. (Numbers above bars are absolute numbers of flower visits in the given class.)11 2001020304050607080901001-3031-60 61-90 91-120 >121Classes of visit duration [s]F r e q u e n c y o f v i s i t s t o f l o w e r s (%)17 FLOWER VISITATION PATTERNS OF L YCAENIDAEcorolla flowers of plants of the family Fabaceae (73% of all visits). The colour of the flowers seemed to matter, as P. icarus and P. argyrognomon decidedly preferred yellow flowers, whereas P. semiargus and P. amandus preferred both violet and yellow ones.As far as duration of the visits is concerned, the majority of visits were short-lasting, from 1 to 30 seconds (Fig. 1), which applies to all 4 butterfly species. The mean times (±SE) in seconds of the butterfly visits in a flower were: P. icarus 24.8±1.4, P. argyrognomon 34.9±4.2, P. semiargus 23.5±2.6 and P. amandus 29.0±4.6.DISCUSSIONIt is often assumed that butterflies have no specific flower preferences, and that their feeding behaviour is governed by the distribution and abundance of available nectar plants (M URPHY et al. 1984, DÓSA 1999).However, in this study, specific flower visitation patterns of butterfly species were not affected by the general availability and abundance of potential nectar plant species, indicating a high selectivity for nectar plants by particular butterfly species.P. icarus and P. argyrognomon used broader food resources than the univolt-ine species. This observation is of course related to the longer flight period of the former species and the availability and diversity of the nectar plants. However, even if the food base is analysed separately for each generation of the bivoltine species, it is still more diverse than that of the univoltine ones. This is more evident for the 2nd generation, using a wider range of plant species than the 1st generation, probably due to a greater availability and diversity of the food base in July and August. The observations may also imply that the 2nd generation preferred flowers with different nectar compositions, as it was proved for Polyommatus bellargus (Rott.) (R USTER-HOLZ & E RHARD 2000).In the conditions of the widely available diverse food base, the plant most often visited by the butterflies (in particular by P. icarus and P. argyrognomon) was Lotus corniculatus (39% of all visits). Hence, our observations confirmed that this plant is very important as a nectar source for butterflies, in particular for Lycaenidae (R USTER-HOLTZ & E RHARDT 1998). It must be emphasised that this is the host plant of cater-pillars of many lepidopteran species (G UTIÉRREZ et al. 2001).Plants of the genus Vicia (V. cracca and V. cassubica) were also relatively often visited by butterflies. In particular, P. amandus showed a strong preference for V. cracca. Even if the plant was scarce in the area, butterflies of this species directed definitely towards it. The relation between P. amandus, P. icarus, P. semiargus and the plants of the family Fabaceae is similar to that reported from Sweden (J ENNER-STEN 1984). G ONSETH (1992) also noted visits of P. semiargus and P. icarus to simi-lar leguminous plants.Results of our study suggest that the butterflies studied are to a large degree attracted to a given flower by its colour, with definite preference for yellow and violet. However, this factor seems to be of secondary importance. It has been shown that butterflies remember and associate certain stimuli like the preferred taste of nectar with the shape and the colour of the flowers and then choose flowers of similar features (W EISS 1997, W EISS & P APAJ 2003).18M. B¹kowski and M. BoroñIt is often assumed that Lycaenidae, in contrast to the long-tongued species of Nymphalidae and Pieridae, prefer fewer nectar-producing plants (DÓSA 1999). Thus it is not surprising that the foraging behaviour of Lycaenidae is different, character-ised by relatively short visits to flowers and short-distance flights between flowers visited. Representatives of the families Pieridae and Nymphalidae need more time to drink nectar, so the mean duration of their visits is longer (D OVER 1989). Usually they use higher and more robust plants as their food resources.S CHULTZ & D LUGOSCH (1999) suggest that restoration of the degraded habitat by augmenting food resources for adult butterflies will play an important role in managing populations of those insects. Butterfly population size in selected species increased as the nectar diversity increased. A sounder knowledge of specific flower and nectar preferences of butterflies is also relevant for their conservation, because adult feeding could play a significant, if so far underrated, role in the reproductive success and longevity of nectar-feeding butterflies.In conclusion, the butterfly species studied are strongly associated with the plants of the family Fabaceae, both as the caterpillars and adults. The presence of the host plants providing resources to the caterpillars and adults determines the area of occurrence of those insects (e.g. D OUWES 1975, L OERTSCHER et al. 1995). 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