Mongabay · Natuur

Beetle larvae mimic floral scents to trick bees, study finds

Larvae of the European black oil beetle have been found to emit chemical compounds that mimic floral scents, luring unsuspecting bees to carry them to their burrows where they consume the bees' eggs and pollen.

This behavior represents the first known instance of an animal using floral scent mimicry to parasitize another animal. The larvae, which are orange, position themselves on plant tips to attract bee hosts.

Researchers identified that the beetle larvae emit floral monoterpenoids, the same chemicals responsible for flower scents. A synthetic mix of these compounds attracted wild bee species, supporting the hypothesis of chemical mimicry.

While the exact floral source is not yet identified, the emitted compounds are known components of willow flower scents. The study suggests chemical mimicry may be more common in beetles than previously thought and could exist in other animal groups.

Experts note that this research presents a strong case for chemical mimicry by the beetle larvae to deceive and attract bees, potentially aided by visual cues.

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