Seed odor mediates an obligate ant–plant mutualism in Amazonian rainforests

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0708643105
• Publication Date: 2008-01-23T01:45:38Z
• Authors: Elsa Youngsteadt; Satoshi Nojima; Christopher Häber...; Stefan Schulz; Coby Schal
• Keywords: Mutualism; Myrmecophyte; Obligate; Cecropia; Frugivore; Arboreal locomotion; Myrmecophily; Epiphyte

Seed dispersal mutualisms are essential for the survival of diverse plant species and communities worldwide. Among invertebrates, only ants have a major role in seed dispersal, thousands produce seeds specialized ant "diffuse" multispecies interactions. An outstanding but poorly understood ant-seed mutualism occurs Amazonian rainforest, where arboreal collect several epiphyte cultivate them nutrient-rich nests, forming abundant conspicuous hanging gardens known as ant-gardens (AGs). AG plants dominant members lowland ecosystems, their interaction is both specific obligate, means by which locate, recognize, accept mutualist while rejecting other unknown. Here we address chemical behavioral basis interaction. We show that workers Camponotus femoratus attracted to odorants emanating from Peperomia macrostachya, cues also elicit seed-carrying behavior. identify five compounds P. macrostachya that, blend, attract C. workers. This report attractive ant-dispersed illustrates intimacy complexity begins illuminate this important enigmatic