For the first time ever, it has been documented that a plant mimics the smell of injured ants to attract flies for pollination. This remarkable mimicry was observed in *Vincetoxicum nakaianum*, a newly described dogbane species native to Japan.

Researchers discovered that the flowers of this plant release a scent almost identical to the odor of ants distressed by spider attacks. This scent effectively lures chloropid flies, which are naturally drawn to the smell in search of an easy meal.

Chloropid flies typically feed on the fluids of injured ants, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism. As these flies visit the flowers seeking food, they inadvertently pollinate the plants by moving from flower to flower.

While ant mimicry has been observed in many invertebrates, this is the first documented case of a plant using such mimicry to attract its pollinators.

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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/plant-mimics-smell-of-ants-to-lure-pollinating-flies-23595855