The evolution of tachinid pollination in Neotinea ustulata is related to floral cuticular composition and the combined high relative production of ( Z )‐11‐C23/C25enes

Among terrestrial orchids, and particularly among the subtribe Orchidinae, flies are underrepresented as pollinators. The European Neotinea ustulata, which developed specialized pollination by tachinid flies, is known to produce high relative concentrations of floral cuticular alkenes (Z)-11-tricosene (Z)-11-pentacosene (referred (Z)-11-C23/C25enes), seem be uncommon orchid flowers. If evolution related that (Z)-11-C23/C25enes, we can expect closely species have a different chemical pattern significantly small or no production independently their pollinator guild identity (e.g., bees, moths). We chemically compared composition species, performed electrophysiological analyses, reconstructed phylogenetic Orchidinae tree, identified evolutionary history (Z)-11-C23/C25enes within Orchidinae. ustulata has evolved markedly other produces both compounds ((Z)-11-C23/C25enes) in quantities (i.e., above 8% combination), detectable antennae. Moreover, most taxa minimal these alkenes, guild. Our ancestral reconstruction suggested was an exaptation Neotinea, whereas unique innovation for N. ustulata. Floral and, particular, combined at relatively intimately linked