The chemistry of sexual deception in an orchid-wasp pollination system.

Schiestl, Florian P; Peakall, Rod; Mant, Jim G; Ibarra, Fernando; Schulz, Claudia; Franke, Stephan; Francke, Wittko · Science · 2003

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The "sexually deceptive" orchid Chiloglottis trapeziformis attracts males of its pollinator species, the thynnine wasp Neozeleboria cryptoides, by emitting a unique volatile compound, 2-ethyl-5-propylcyclohexan-1,3-dione, which is also produced by female wasps as a male-attracting sex pheromone.

Medical subject headings