Abstract: The prerequisite characteristics that are involved in the evolution of mutualism have not been explored because most mutualistic interactions that are studied are obligate associations between two closely linked and coevolved species. Nursery pollinated systems represent a wide variety of interactions that vary on the spectrum of mutualism to antagonism and may provide valuable model systems for the study of the evolution of mutualisms. Nursery pollinated systems exemplified by Silene (Caryophyllaceae) and Hadena (Noctuidae) moths may provide a view of the ecological conditions that are the basis of a highly derived mutualisms. The ecological context that determines the sign of mutualistic relationships is rarely studied, and as a result the evolutionary potential of pollinator-plant interactions is poorly understood. In this experiment I examined the role that the nursery pollinator Hadena ectypa plays in the metapopulation dynamics of its host plant Silene stellata , by evaluating the sign and strength of the interaction in different environmental contexts. This was accomplished by evaluating the pollinator community structure visiting the populations, as well as the pollinator service these communities were providing. I also examined differences in H. ectypa oviposition preference and behavior to determine if oviposition can facilitate mutualism in the interaction. In this experiment I demonstrated that it is possible for H. ectypa to facilitate colonization through the maintenance of high visitation rate in the face of limited pollen availability, which might be the mechanism that has maintained the interaction even though it is typically antagonistic and non obligatory.