BAT POLLINATION OF THE TERRESTRIAL HERB IRLBACHIA-ALATA (GENTIANACEAE) IN NORTHEASTERN BRAZIL

The pollination of the terrestrial herb Irlbachia alata by the bat Glo ssophaga soricina was recorded in northeastern Brazil. This herb colon izes disturbed swampy sites in clearings and forest edges, blooming ye ar-round. Its greenish white flowers open at dusk and attract phyllost omid bats and hawkmoths. The long-tongued bat Glossophaga soricina is the major pollinator of I. alata at the study site, with its trapline visits promoting cross-pollination of this herb. The small flowers and the delicate stem of I. alata match the small size and the manoeuvera ble flight of glossophagine bats.