Researchers have found something surprising in nature: a plant that lures in pollinating flies by mimicking the smell of injured ants. This dogbane species, known as Vincetoxicum nakaianum, is native to Japan and only recognized last year.
Ko Mochizuki, a botanist from the University of Tokyo, explains that this plant’s unique strategy helps it reproduce. Without mimicking the scent released by ants under threat, it wouldn’t be as successful in attracting pollinators.
Mochizuki first noticed fruit flies buzzing around the plant’s flowers in a nursery in Tokyo. These flies are usually on the lookout for injured ants and leftovers from predator attacks. By attracting them, the plant gets a perfect pollination service.
Curious about what drew the flies in, Mochizuki examined the plant’s chemicals. He discovered a mix of compounds, including nonane and undecane. Interestingly, these closely matched the alarm pheromones that ants emit when they are attacked by spiders.
“When ants are threatened, they send out a signal to warn their nestmates,” Mochizuki notes. Spiders that hunt ants typically leave behind only the exoskeleton, which makes the flies think they’ve found a meal.
In experiments with a Y-shaped maze, Mochizuki tested what attracted the fruit flies. The flies ignored crushed ants but were clearly drawn to the scent of ants that had been attacked. This behavior suggests that the flies are looking for nutritious fluids, making the plant’s tactic even more effective.
While some insects mimic ant chemical signals to infiltrate ant nests, Vincetoxicum nakaianum stands out as the first plant to do something similar. Mochizuki emphasizes its success: “The scent of injured ants emitted by this plant has a powerful effect on attracting pollinators.”
This discovery adds to our understanding of plant behavior and the intricate relationships within ecosystems. It shows how species can evolve clever strategies for survival, even in unexpected ways. As we learn more about these interactions, we can appreciate the complexity of nature even more. For more detailed findings, you can read the full article in Current Biology.
