For the first time, scientists have documented a plant that mimics the smell of injured ants to attract pollinators.
A dogbane species native to Japan, releases chemical compounds that match the odor ants give off when attacked by spiders.
The discovery reveals that floral deception is more diverse than previously thought and suggests many other hidden plant mimicry strategies may still be undiscovered.
by Liz Kimbrough
https://news.mongabay.com/2025/10/japanese-plant-smells-like-dying-ant-to-lure-pollinators/