[UV] Winter Aconite

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Winter Aconite flowers shot today in reflected ultraviolet light at Herrmanshof Park, Weinheim, Germany

young ones, just opened:


in decay:


note how the yellow 365nm reflection has deteriorated. Does it indicate to bees "not worth visiting anymore" ?
Also worth noting, that the young ones are actually UV-black outside, so that might stop bees from visiting
before the flowers are actually wide open and "bee-ready", i.e. has nectar to offer.

[Asher Kelman]

This is interesting. Who's funded enough to actually do the studies to determine what the story is?

Asher

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Not me but maybe some tax payers funded, well equipped research institute could?

[Asher Kelman]

Originally Posted by Dr Klaus Schmitt

Not me but maybe some tax payers funded, well equipped research institute could?

It would appear that such research could have major economic significance in understanding pollination. Right now, be populations are under severe threat. I'd imagine that one could make a great case for detailed study of the effect of UV markings on pollination efficiency.

Asher