Entomophily is a form of
pollination whereby
pollen or
spores are distributed by
insects. Several insects are reported to be responsible for the pollination (potential or effective) of many plant species, particularly
bees,
Lepidoptera (
butterflies and
moths),
wasps,
flies,
ants and
beetles. Some plant species co-evolved with a particular pollinator, such as many
orchids species. On the other hand, there are plant species which are generalists, being visited and/or pollinated by several insect groups. Entomophilous species frequently evolve mechanisms to make themselves more appealing to insects, e.g., brightly colored or scented
flowers,
nectar, or appealing shapes and patterns. Pollen grains of entomophilous plants are generally larger than the fine pollens of
anemophilous (wind-pollinated) plants. They usually are of more nutritional value to insects, which may use them for food and inadvertently spread them to other flowers.