Ecological relationship between floral thermogenesis and pollination in Nelumbo lutea (Nelumbonaceae). Floral thermogenesis is an unusual floral trait with a well-documented physiological process, and yet, there is limited understanding of how this trait influences plant reproduction.  The current study was undertaken to gain a better understanding of how floral thermogenesis in Nelumbo lutea impacts pollinator attraction and consequent plant reproduction.


 We conducted field studies on floral thermogenesis and thermoregulation, flower sexual development, floral visitation patterns, breeding system, pollen transfer dynamics, and floral scent production.


 The most abundant visitors to the thermoregulatory flowers included the Phoridae (Diptera), Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera), and Hymenoptera.  Thermogenesis aids in dispersing the main floral scent component-1,4-dimethoxybenzene-attracting both chrysomelids and bees, while thermoregulation causes chrysomelid beetles to actively seek out new flowers for evening residence. 
THERM