Plant that mimics odour of half-eaten ants to attract pollinators discovered | Insects
It is a striking manifestation of nature to its sneaky: the researchers discovered a plant that attracts pollinated flies by imitating the smell of half -eaten ants.
The species of dogbane is the first plant known to increase its reproductive chances by copying the perfume that ants reject as an alarm call to their comrades of nests when they are attacked by spiders and other predators.
“This is the first proof of mimicry of ants in plants,” said Ko Mochizuki, botanist from the University of Tokyo. “Without this specific fragrance, the plant would not be able to reach the success of reproduction.” The species of dogbane, Vintoxicum nakianumis from Japan and was only appointed last year.
The first suspicion of his deceptive tactics occurred when Mochizuki spotted fruit flies gathering around the flowers of the plant in the nursery of the Koishikawabotan gardens of Tokyo.
The flies move from one plant to another in search of ants and wounded carcasses left behind the spiders attacked them. But in the process, flies make a plant a major favor by helping to pollinate them.
Intrigued as to what attracted flies, Mochizuki analyzed the chemicals released by the plant and found a cocktail of volatile compounds, in particular non-year, UNCAN and other substances called 8ac, 10AC and 6-MMS.
He then analyzed the pheromones released by ants in a pot when they were attacked by a saved spider. These overlap considerably with the odors published by the Dogbane, according to the report of current biology.
“When attacked, the ants release alarm pheromones to alert their comrades from Nesthes to danger,” said Mochizuki. “Spiders specializing in the anti -anticipator digests their internal fabrics and generally leave behind the exoskeleton.”
In other experiences, Mochizuki has used a labyrinth in the shape of a y to see which odors have seduced fruit flies the most. Insects were not attracted to crushed ants, but made the head of the ants that had been attacked by spiders. The flies feed on body fluids in injured insects.
Although some insects are known to imitate ant pheromones so that they can access the nests of ants and feed on their larvae, the dogban is the first plant known to make a similar tip. And it’s extremely effective, said Mochizuki.
“The smell of injured ants issued by Vintoxicum nakianum Flowers has a striking effect to attract pollinators, “he said.
