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Cycads Heat Up to Attract Ancient Beetles for Pollination

2/18/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cycads are ancient seed plants pollinated by insects, dating back about 275 million years.
They attract beetles by heating their cones.
Each cycad species associates with a specific beetle that uses infrared sensors in their antennae to locate cones in the dark.
Male and female cycads grow on separate plants.
Male cones heat over 10°C above surroundings and peak three hours before females, guiding beetles to collect pollen from males.

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Story summary

Cycads are ancient seed plants pollinated by insects, dating back about 275 million years.
They attract beetles by heating their cones.
Each cycad species associates with a specific beetle that uses infrared sensors in their antennae to locate cones in the dark.
Male and female cycads grow on separate plants.
Male cones heat over 10°C above surroundings and peak three hours before females, guiding beetles to collect pollen from males.