A field study of Mimulus alatus and its visitors

The purpose of this field study was to determine the flower characteristics of Mimulus alatus and observe the behaviors of visitors to the plant. Members of M. alatus were observed in their natural habitat to ascertain the flowering period for the plants and the lifespan of a single bloom; nectar and pollen levels were also periodically measured. Behavioral patterns of visitors to the flowers were recorded and the species identified. Statistical analysis was performed to deduce the relationships between time of day and nectar and pollen levels, as well as visitor behavior. The blooming period occurred from early July to mid-August and lifespan of open flowers was found to span roughly 24 hours. Nectar standing crop and pollen levels decreased monotonically throughout the day and were depleted by 11 AM. Visitors of the genus Bombus occupied the early morning hours and non-Bombus visitors increased in prevalence later in the day; visitation rates were generally higher for Bombus species than other groups