A REMARKABLE CASE OF ORNITHOPHILY IN CALCEOLARIA - FOOD BODIES AS REWARDS FOR A NON-NECTARIVOROUS BIRD

In southernmost South America, the pollination biology of Calceolaria uniflora Lam. (Scrophulariaceae) was studied in the field. One of the most striking features of the flower of this species is a corolla appe ndage folded against the outside of the lower lip. This massive and fl eshy structure is pecked off by Thinocorus rumicivorus (Thinocoridae, Charadriiformes) as a food body. The percentage of damaged flowers ave raged 64% and was as high as 81% in one study site. Pollen is placed o n the front of the bird's head by the exserted stamens with large vers atile anthers. This pollination syndrome is unique for the bird involv ed and exceptional in the kind of reward offered. This Calceolaria spe cies, and probably a second one endemic to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), are the only ornithophilous species in a mostly oil-bee po llinated genus. Their reproduction strategy appears to be adapted to a n environment lacking in oil-collecting bees.