Examples of seed dispersal by entomochory

Abstract

Summary: For millions of years, day and night, year after year, fruits and seeds have migrated across the globe, ensuring the survival of genera and species. And only in this way will future generations continue to do so. Plants which reproduce themselves with seeds are currently the most widespread on the planet. A thorough analysis of the “microcosm” of insects has shown that, in addition to ants, many other insects habitually transport from one place to another small seeds and fruits, less than a gram in weight, contributing in this way to the dispersal of plants. Some do so unconsciously, transporting diaspores, some of which have hooks. These attach themselves to the insect's body and later fall to the ground, allowing new plants to germinate some distance from the original plant. Other insects transport a number of seeds to underground nests—similar to ants—where these may germinate. Scarabaeoids which are found in sandy areas and live on excrement have a considerable role in this process; these insects are instrumental in the dispersal and germination of seeds, burying them with dung. It is likely that grassland termites also aid Poaceae dispersal. The study of entomochorous seeds and fruits draws attention to the fact that elaiosomes are often present and therefore; in this case, dispersal by non-Formicidae insects is of secondary importance. © 1999, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.