Biologists discover a flower that smells like dead insects

In a new study, biologists have described an interesting mechanism of self-pollination in the plant species Aristolochia microstoma. He

releases a mixture of volatile substances containingalkylpyrazines. In general, in nature, plants rarely release these substances. Alkylpyrazines themselves are also released when dead insects decompose. Therefore, the smell of these substances attracts corpse flies from the genus Megaselia. They feed on carrion.

A. microstoma flowers are half buried in the ground (A) or are invisible among the litter (B) or stones (C, D). Credit: T. Rupp, B. Elschlegel, K. Rabich and others

Once in a flower, flies begin to lay thereeggs. However, at the same time, they fall into the trap of the plant, which does not allow them to fly away. To get out of it, flies need to transfer pollen to the stigma of the pistil. Only then will the flower open and the insects will gain freedom.

4 to 6% of flowering plants use"Deceptive pollination strategy": They use smell and color to attract pollinating insects. Deceptive pollination is common in many orchids, but it has also developed independently in other plants, including the genus Aristolochia.

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