How trap-flowers attract and deceive pollinating food thieves

Researchers have discovered a new pollination system that involves food-thieving flies as pollinators. These flies feed on insect secretions, available when a spider, a praying mantis, or other predatory arthropods feed on insects. The plant mimics compounds released from freshly killed insects to deceive flies that are in search of food.

This pollination strategy applies to Aristolochia rotunda—an herbaceous Mediterranean plant—but likely evolved in other plants as well.

"The finding was unexpected as Aristolochia species were believed to mimic egg-laying sites of fly . Only an international team and a allowed uncovering this intriguing pollination system," said biologist Birgit Oelschlägel, lead author of the New Phytologist study.

More information: Oelschlägel, B., Nuss, M., von Tschirnhaus, M., Pätzold, C., Neinhuis, C., Dötterl, S. and Wanke, S. (2014), The betrayed thief - the extraordinary strategy of Aristolochia rotunda to deceive its pollinators. New Phytologist. DOI: 10.1111/nph.13210

Journal information: New Phytologist

Provided by Wiley

Citation: How trap-flowers attract and deceive pollinating food thieves (2014, December 15) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2014-12-trap-flowers-pollinating-food-thieves.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Rare orchids mimic fungus to attract flies

0 shares

Feedback to editors