Deceptive Ceropegia dolichophylla fools its kleptoparasitic fly pollinators with exceptional floral scent

摘要: Ceropegia species (Apocynaceae) have deceptive pitfall flowers and exploit small flies as pollinators, supposedly by chemical mimicry. Only preliminary data on the composition of flower scents are available for a single so far, mimicry system is not yet understood in any species. We collected basic pollination aspects C. dolichophylla, analyzed floral scent gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry, identified electrophysiologically active components coupled with electroantennographic detection, determined compounds responsible pollinator attraction bioassays. found that dolichophylla visited several taxa. Milichiidae Chloropidae carried pollinaria are, thus, pollinators. The pollen transfer efficiency at two different sites was 2 % 4 %, respectively. dominated spiroacetals, mainly (2S,6R,8S)-8-methyl-2-propyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane, n-tridecane, N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide. This spiroacetal acetamide elicited most intense electrophysiological responses fly antennae, bioassays confirmed capability eliciting behavioral Most flies, pollinators kleptoparasites. They insect prey predatory arthropods food source which they attracted volatiles. 8-Methyl-2-propyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane N-(3-methylbutyl)acetamide been before volatiles other plants, however, known Both occur venom glands paper wasps, potential dolichophylla. propose shows kleptomyiophilous strategy. It mimics related odors food-seeking behavior its kleptoparasitic