How Ceratocaryum argenteum tricks dung beetles?

Ceratocaryum argenteum

Image Credit: whyevolutionistrue

Ceratocaryum argenteum is a tall grass-like plant of the Restionaceae family. It is native to South Africa.

THE TRICKERY

Ceratocaryum argenteum exhibits something called faecal mimicry. The plant's seeds mimic the faeces of the antelopes such as bontebok and eland found in the area.

Two species of beetles are found to be tricked by C. argenteum. One is Epirinus flagellatus and the other is Scarabaeus spretus.

Antelope dung(left) and C.argenteum seeds(right).

Image Credit: kew.org

The seeds of C. argenteum resemble the dung of antelopes in shape, size and smell. The seeds are hard and spherical with a rough, bumpy surface. The scent the seeds give out is similar to that of the dung. Since dung beetles use the scent of dung to locate it, they often end up locating the seeds instead of dung. Then, they end up taking the seeds to their breeding site. It is only at the time of feeding or oviposition(laying eggs) that they realize the truth of the seeds.

REFERENCES:

https://whyevolutionistrue.com/2020/12/03/plant-seeds-evolve-to-mimic-antelope-droppings-and-duped-dung-beetles-roll-and-bury-the-seeds/

https://www.nature.com/articles/nplants2015141