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New Flowering Plant Lures Pollinators with Ant Scent

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Vincetoxicum nakaianum is a newly identified flowering dogbane species discovered in Japan that mimics the scent of injured ants to attract pollinators.
The plant releases chemical compounds similar to those emitted by ants under attack to lure flies that feed on injured insects.
Ko Mochizuki of the University of Tokyo led the research and confirmed that specific floral compounds are essential for attracting these flies.

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Story summary

Vincetoxicum nakaianum is a newly identified flowering dogbane species discovered in Japan that mimics the scent of injured ants to attract pollinators.
The plant releases chemical compounds similar to those emitted by ants under attack to lure flies that feed on injured insects.
Ko Mochizuki of the University of Tokyo led the research and confirmed that specific floral compounds are essential for attracting these flies.