Abstract
The hypothesis of chemical mimesis in the relationship betweenOphrys orchids and their pollinators was tested experimentally using preparations ofOphrys lutea var.lutea odor and the males of the solitary beeAndrena fuscipes, a species constellation that does not coexist under natural conditions. Correspondence in odor production was shown to occur. Identification of the compounds in the cephalic secretion ofA. fuscipes, males and females, and the flower labella extracts, was performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Geraniol, nerol, citral,E,E-farnesol and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one were present in the extracts of both the orchid and one or both sexes of the bee. Extracts, TLC fractions of extracts, blends, and separate compounds were tested in the field in the mating flight areas ofA. fuscipes males. Extracts and blends containingE,E-farnesol, geraniol, and geranial showed the highest attractivity to the male bees. These compounds seem to be responsible for the release of the odor-guided mating behavior at theO. lutea labellum and can be regarded as general attractants for many species ofAndrena.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bergström, G., andTengö, J., 1974. Studies on natural odoriferous compounds IX. Farnesyl and geranyl esters as main volatile constituents of the secretions from Dufour's gland in 6 species ofAndrena (Hymenoptera, Apoidea).Chem. Scr. 5:28–38.
Bergström, G., Tengö, J., Reith, W., andFrancke, W. 1982. Multicomponent mandibular gland secretions in three species ofAndrena bees (Hym. Apoidea).Z. Naturforsch. 37C:1124–1129.
Borg-Karlson, A.-K., Bergström, G., andGroth, I. 1985. Chemical basis for the relationship betweenOphrys orchids and their pollinators I: Volatile compounds ofO. lutea andO. fusca as insect mimetic attractants/excitants.Chem. Scr. 25:283–294.
Francke, W., Reith, W., Bergström, G., andTengö, J. 1981. Pheromone bouquet of the mandibular glands inAndrena haemorrhoa F. (Hym., Apoidea).Z. Naturforsch. 36C:928–932.
Kullenberg, B. 1961. Studies inOphrys pollination.Zool. Bidr. Uppsala 34:1–340, 51 plates.
Kullenberg, B. 1973a. New observations on the pollination ofOphrys L. (Orchidaceae).Zoon Suppl. 1:9–14.
Kullenberg, B. 1973b. Field experiments with chemical sexual attractants on aculeate Hymenoptera males II.Zoon Suppl. 1:31–44.
Kullenberg, B., andBergström, G. 1976. HymenopteraAculeata males as pollinators ofOphrys orchids.Zool. Scr. 5:13–23.
Nelson, E. 1962. Gestaltwandel und Artbildung erörtert am Beispiel der Orchidaceen Europas und der Mittelmeerländer, insbesondere der GattungOphrys. 1–249 + LVIII Tafel und Karten, Verlag E. Nelson, Chernez-Montreux.
Sokal, R.R., andRohlf, F.J. 1981, Biometry. W.H. Freeman, New York.
Tengö, J. 1979. Odor-released behavior inAndrena male bees (Apoidea, Hymenoptera).Zoon 7:15–48.
Tengö, J., andBergström, G. 1976. Comparative analysis of lemon-smelling secretion from heads ofAndrena F. (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) bees.Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 55B:179–188.
Tengö, J., andBergström, G. 1977. Comparative analysis of complex secretion from heads ofAndrena bees (Hym., Apoidea).Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 57B:197–202.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Borg-Karlson, A.K., Tengö, J. Odor mimetism?. J Chem Ecol 12, 1927–1941 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01041856
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01041856