Anther mimicry in an African orchid pollinated by pollen-feeding beetles.

ABSTRACT: Flowers of many species have yellow markings that appear to mimic anthers or pollen and attract the attention of pollen-seeking insects (usually female bees). We investigated a putative case of anther mimicry in Disa similis, an orchid with nectarless mauve flowers and conspicuous yellow markings on the tips of the labellum and lateral petals. We studied D. similis in grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, by directly observing floral visitors. Spectral reflectance of floral parts of the orchid and sympatric species were analysed using spectrometry. Pollination success was recorded in relation to colour manipulation and florivory of the petal apices. Overall pollen transfer efficiency and breeding system was estimated to determine pollinator dependence for fruit set. The flowers of D.

SUBMITTER: Adit A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12477311 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature