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Question 79 of 99

Q.What is Cantharophily ?

Puducherry TnboardTamil Nadu HSC (DGE) Board 2023Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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Cantharophily is the pollination of flowers by beetles, one of the most ancient forms of insect-mediated pollination.

Pollination biology classifies pollination syndromes by the type of pollinating agent involved, and each type has its own name ending in "-phily." Cantharophily specifically refers to pollination carried out by beetles (order Coleoptera).

Beetle-pollinated flowers show characteristic adaptations to this relationship:

  1. They are typically large, bowl- or cup-shaped, providing easy landing and access for relatively clumsy insect visitors.
  2. They are often strongly scented, frequently with fruity, spicy or even fermenting/decaying odours that specifically attract beetles.
  3. They are usually pale or dull in colour (e.g. white, cream, dull yellow) rather than brightly coloured. …

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