Orchid sibling species using different floral fragrance to attract fruit fly pollinators.

What is it about?

Two putative daciniphilous (attracting fruit flies) orchids, Bulbophyllum sibling species release different floral fragrance to attract fruit fly pollinators. B. macranthum (ex. Malaysia and Thailand) releases zingerone (ZN), but variety ex Philippines releases predominantly methyl eugenol (ME). B. praetervisum releases mainly raspberry ketone (RK). However, phylogenetic investigation based on chloroplast DNA sequences showed that the two sibling species are in the same lineage while the variety that secretes ME is slightly separated from the same species lineage. Further in-depth evaluations, namely based on sequence analyses of nuclear genes and microsatelites, are warranted to ascertain the actual species delimitation.

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Why is it important?

Daciniphilous orchids use different floral chemicals to attract different groups of fruit flies e.g. RK to attract cue-lure (CL) -responsive males, ME the ME-responsive males while ZN both ME- and RK-responsive as well as ZN-responsive flies.

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