THE REMARKABLE WEEVIL POLLINATION OF THE NEOTROPICAL CARLUDOVICOIDEAE(CYCLANTHACEAE)

Further evidence for a specialized plant-pollinator relationship in th e weevil pollinated Carludovicoideae (Cyclanthaceae) is presented, wit h emphasis on the previously uninvestigated genus Sphaeradenia. Weevil s use the carludovicoid inflorescence for feeding, shelter, mating, an d oviposition, the last-mentioned activity in the usually caducous sta minate flowers. While visiting the inflorescence, they effect pollinat ion. Adaptations, advantages, and consequences for this sophisticated system, both of the plants and pollinators, are discussed.