First Documented Case of Plant Smelling like an Ant to Attract Pollinators
In a Tokyo greenhouse, researcher Ko Mochizuki observed an unusual phenomenon. Flies swarmed around the delicate flowers of the Vincetoxicum nakaianum plant species, which offers no nectar or bright colors.
Instead, the blooms release a chemical signal that smells like an injured ant, a potential food source for the flies. This unique strategy tricks pollinators into visiting the flowers.
The plant mimics the smell of ants under attack to attract pollinators.
The Vincetoxicum nakaianum, a flowering dogbane species native to Japan, has evolved this ingenious deception strategy to ensure its pollination.
Author's summary: Plant tricks pollinators with ant scent.
More News
- ‘Elsbeth’ Costume Designer Dan Lawson Talks Recreating ‘My Fair Lady’ Outfits for Halloween Episode (Exclusive)
- OpenAI unveils Aardvark, an autonomous GPT-5 agent built to hunt software vulnerabilities - SiliconANGLE
- CalCPA CFO Natalie Quan on reshaping the image of the CPA
- Limpopo transport workers camp outside Premier’s office to demand unpaid pensions
- Mukhamadullin on Playing Devils for 1st Time, His Sharks’ Connection As Teenager
- 12 A-List Actors Who Got Their Start in Horror Movies