How trap-flowers attract and deceive pollinating food thieves
Monday, December 15, 2014 - 18:01
in Mathematics & Economics
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.