THE REMARKABLE WEEVIL POLLINATION OF THE NEOTROPICAL CARLUDOVICOIDEAE (CYCLANTHACEAE)

Further evidence for a specialized plant-pollinator relationship in the weevil pollinated Carludovicoideae (Cyclanthaceae) is presented, with emphasis on the previously uninvestigated genus Sphaeradenia. Weevils use the carludovicoid inflorescence for feeding, shelter, mating, and oviposition, the last-mentioned activity in the usually caducous staminate flowers. While visiting the inflorescence, they effect pollination. Adaptations, advantages, and consequences for this sophisticated system, both of the plants and pollinators, are discussed.