Celebrating Plants and People

Researchers detail the behavior of Rhinoleucophenga myrmecophaga fly larvae, which perch atop extrafloral nectaries on the common plant, form a small shelter, and use the nectar to attract the visiting ants. The larvae then sink their mouth hooks into the trapped ants and feed on their insides. “This exploitation of an ant-plant mutualism is peculiar…

After 4 years of laboratory and field experiments in Montana’s Missoula Valley, researchers found a workable recipe. A powder made from the Bhut jolokia, or ghost pepper, from India—considered to be one of the world’s hottest chilis—did the trick. (Click on title for full story.)

“We suggest that ‘smelling like prey’ may be not uncommon and may be an underestimated tactic in the dispersal of seeds in other mymecochorous plants,” (Click on title for full story.)

To understand why and how a loss of biodiversity affects these forests, it is not enough to concentrate solely on the trees and their species diversity.” The species richness of herbivores and their competitors was also important, an important finding with regard to the expected intensification and the possible prevention of pest infestation with progressive…

“Monarchs are the most celebrated insects in the world because of their remarkable behavior, and yet here in Florida, about 15 minutes north of Gainesville, you can find something just as interesting from the biological perspective,” (Click on title for full story.)