Stillman Posted April 10, 2013 Does anyone know much about the natural pollinators of night flowering cacti? And what species equivalent would be found in Australia? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtle_hermit Posted April 10, 2013 I know one of the biggies are bats. Bats are nocturnal and love the sweet smell of cactus blooms. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtle_hermit Posted April 10, 2013 Caption contest, anyone? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kykeion Posted April 10, 2013 Moths are another one. No idea about Aus equivalents though... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bert&Ernie Posted April 10, 2013 (edited) Yea moths and bats are all I can think of off hand but im sure there are probably more possible lots of insect and such... I know possums pollinate some flowers but I doubt they would climb a cactus Edited April 10, 2013 by jwerta Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted April 10, 2013 I was talking to an entomologist yesterday, Australia has about 60 Hawk moth species they may be responsible for some of the pollination, we have flying foxes here that feed on the palm flowers but I think they are too big and would make a hell of a mess of a cereus flower. http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Animals+of+Queensland/Insects/Butterflies+and+moths/Common+species/Hawk+Moths 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evil Genius Posted April 11, 2013 Turtle Hermit, this is the most awesome pollination picture i´ve EVER seen! Did you make that yourself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stillman Posted April 11, 2013 its a great photo and a interesting flower too, I wonder if this plant has developed those short petals so bats can have better access? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtle_hermit Posted April 11, 2013 (edited) EG, I did not make it I found it through google from here Edit: I believe these are Saguaros Edited April 11, 2013 by turtle_hermit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
