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 nearly identical to the odor produced by ants when they are under attack by spiders. This scent attracts chloropid flies, which are drawn to it in search of an easy meal.
These flies typically feed on the fluids of injured ants, a behavior known as kleptoparasitism. As the flies visit the flowers seeking food, they inadvertently pollinate the plants by moving from flower to flower.
While ant mimicry has been noted in many other invertebrates, this is the first documented case of a plant using this strategy specifically to attract pollinators.
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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/plant-mimics-smell-of-ants-to-lure-pollinating-flies-23595855