Why is the center of a poppy black?

Question

Why is the center of a poppy black?

Answer 1

The dark blotches at the petal bases are nectar guides to attract pollinators.

The open bowl is attractive shelter to pollinating insects and the black color ensures a warmth to keep the flight muscles up to temperature. Bees are especially attracted to flowers that offer warmth. They look for flowers that have colors to absorb infrared. This way the bee uses less energy keeping warm visiting flowers that offer this feature. This reward brings more pollinators to the plant so both benefit.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/natur...

http://www.livescience.com/animals/06080...

Spectral reflectance database

http://precedings.nature.com/documents/1...

Bees & flies pollinate poppies.

http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=AR042...

Cost of coloring to attract pollinator versus being visible to herbivore.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob...