Plant attracts pollinators by mimicking the odour of half-eaten ants

A species of Japanese dogbane (Vincetoxicum nakaianum) mimics the odour of injured ants to tempt the flies that feed on the insects to pollinate them. Botanist Ko Mochizuki noticed that flies were attracted to dogsbane, and found that the plant produces several scented chemicals that are also in ants’ pheromone SOS calls to their nestmates — the first evidence of plants copying ants.