Monarda - 'Cambridge Scarlet'

[Pierre A Plauzoles]

In a previous article, davidb at uow.edu.au (David R. Britton) says:

>In article <5pp7a2$kr8$1 at juliana.sprynet.com>, RL7329 at sprynet.com wrote:
>
>> I grow 4 color variations of Monarda in my flower beds as a nectar
>> source for butterflies (and moths). Last year it seemed that the
>> beautiful red 'Cambridge Scarlet' variety didn't attract any
>> butterflies (bees like it fine). This year I have confirmed my
>> suspicions. I have 2 patches of the C.S. - one 6' by 6' and the other
>> larger. I have not seen one butterfly in either patch but they
>> regularly feed at the other colors.
>>
>> I'm wondering if I just have a crummy batch or if this variety is
>> really no good for leps.
>
>Just to make a big generalisation, insects don't see the "red" end of the
>light spectrum very well; they go more for ultraviolet/blue end.  I guess
>this is why violet/white/purple flowering plants like Buddleia etc. are so
>popular.  On the other hand, a lot of nectar and pollen eating birds
>really like red flowers!

I have heard that some American species of swallowtails (notably the
western tiger, Papilio rutulus, and possibly the anise swallowtail, P
zelicaon) are very much attracted to red shirts.  Is this not true?  If
so, is this some kind of exception to prove the rule?
--
Pierre Plauzoles   ae779 at lafn.org
Canoga Park, California