Shape matters: corolla curvature improves nectar discovery in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta

Autor:	Thomas L. Daniel, Harvey D. Bradshaw, Eric O. Campos
Rok vydání:	2015
Předmět:	biology Pollinator Manduca sexta Functional morphology Botany Foraging Nectar biology.organism_classification Curvature Ecology Evolution Behavior and Systematics
Zdroj:	Functional Ecology. 29:462-468
ISSN:	1365-2435 0269-8463
DOI:	10.1111/1365-2435.12378
Popis:	Summary We measured the effects of variation in corolla curvature and nectary aperture radius on pollinator foraging ability using the hawkmoth Manduca sexta and 3D-printed artificial flowers whose shapes were mathematically specified. In dimorphic arrays containing trumpet-shaped flowers and flat-disc flowers, hawkmoths were able to empty the nectaries of significantly more trumpet-shaped flowers regardless of nectary aperture size. Interestingly, trumpet-shaped flowers needed to deviate only slightly from the flat-disc morphotype in order to significantly increase hawkmoth foraging ability. Whole-flower three-dimensional shape, particularly corolla curvature, has the potential to act as a mechanical guide for M. sexta, further implicating direct flower-proboscis contact as an important contributor to foraging success during flower handling in hawkmoths.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
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