How do carrion flowers attract flies?

Carrion flowers attract flies by employing a strategy of mimicry, specifically targeting insects that typically seek out rotting flesh or dung for egg deposition. These plants utilize several key characteristics to deceive these pollinators:12

• Olfactory Mimicry: The flowers produce strong, malodorous scents that mimic the smell of decaying animal matter. These odors are complex mixtures of volatile compounds that effectively lure carrion-seeking insects.132
• Visual Mimicry: To further the deception, these flowers often feature colors such as red or brown, which resemble the appearance of flesh or decaying organic material.3
• Thermal Regulation: Some species, such as the cuckoopint, can elevate their temperature to increase the vaporization rate of their scent, allowing the odor to spread over a wider area and attract more insects.13
• Structural Deception: Many of these flowers have open structures that facilitate the landing of insects. In some cases, the deception is so effective that flies are tricked into attempting to lay their eggs on the flower.31

By mimicking these specific environmental cues, the plants ensure that flies visit them, facilitating pollination as the insects forage.13