I noticed that on a Creeping Zinnia young flowers (in front) do not show a prominent UV pattern, but others do (the one in the back), which are ready for pollination.
[click on image to see a larger one]
Visible light image
Simulated butterfly vision (UV=blue)
I wonder if that UV pattern would disappear when pollination has successfully happened? I guess that would be worth some scientific study (or maybe I should do it?)...
Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...
More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos
My BLOG about my journey into the invisible world of ultraviolet UV photography, simulated bee, butterfly and animal vision photography and the special lenses, filters and lighting needed to make it work - also in HD video + 3D stereo.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Bidens - how she does it (simulated butterfly vision)
Bidens never ceases to amaze me...
The far-away white/yellow guide for insects is completely invisible for us. Then the blue UV reflection of the "husk" protecting the stamen + pollen just before it opens up to reveal the pollen, yet at the same time acting as a guide for the insects when they are close enough (insects only see sharp close-up).
[click on image to see a larger one]Visible light image
Simulated butterfly vision (UV=blue)
These are my personal assumptions btw. and I would think it would be worth working on that scientifically...maybe I should. Isn't nature simply amazing....?!
Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...
More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos