Abstract

Overview

Pollinators use various cues, such as color, shape, scent, and temperature, from flowers to make decisions on where to land and gather nectar.

Findings

• This study introduces a previously unrecognized ability of hoverflies (species Eristalis tenax and Cheilosia albipila) to sense and respond to electrical fields around flowers.
• Detailed experiments show how hoverflies gain electric charge and utilize this capability to locate nectar, thereby enhancing the efficiency of pollination.
• The study establishes a correlation between rapid variations in the electric field of flowers and the nectar rewards, which increases visitation frequency by hoverflies.
• It is noted that thoracic hairs in hoverflies play a significant role in determining the polarity of their charge and detecting electric fields, similar to mechanisms found in bumblebees.

Conclusion

The electrophysiological studies suggest that hoverfly antennae do not display neural sensitivity to electric fields, indicating that mechanosensory hairs might be critical in these pollination interactions.