Question

Extra credit - My favorite cactus is Peniocereus greggi var. transmontanus, a night blooming cereus that has a gorgeous white flower with numerous large petals that can reach sizes of 6 inches in diameter. The flower emerges during the summer monsoon months of the Sonoran Desert, blooms during the evening, and remains open until morning. The flower also emits a strong, sweet odor. Using the information given, identify the two most likely pollinators for this cactus species. (Hint: Use the dichotomous key found in your lab manual on page 428: Key to Pollination.)

Answer 1

Answer:

Bats and Sphinx moths

Explanation:

The cactus is a xerophytic plant which is mostly found in the desert and tropical areas of the world.

The cactus plants flower during the night time like Cereus which produce the white or pale white coloured flower. The flower produces a large amount of nectar as a gift and the fragrance to attract the pollinators.

The most attracted pollinators of the cactus plants which flies during night time are the long-nosed bats and the Sphinx moths which are similar to the hummingbirds and feed on the nectar with its beak-like structure.

Thus, Bats and Sphinx moths are correct.