Recently, the first evidence for pro-pheromone mimicry was uncovered in the Australian orchid Cryptostylis ovata, which deceives male Lissopimpla excelsa wasps into pollinating it.

This theory suggests that the orchid flower produces pro-pheromones: precursor molecules (long-chain alkenes) that react with oxygen under the influence of UV radiation and heat. Only after exposure to the elements the alkanes break down into more biologically active aldehydes, which mimic the pheromones of female wasps and attract male pollinators.

While pro-pheromones have previously been found in some insect communication systems, this is the first known case of plants mimicking this mechanism. The dependence on environmental factors, such as UV and heat, might render this system highly sensitive to environmental and climate change. This project seeks to find additional evidence to confirm the pro-pheromone mimicry hypothesis in Cryptostylis ovata and explore whether strategy is also used in other sexually deceptive orchid species, such as Caladenia Barbarossa.

In addition, field observations suggest that Cryptostylis ovata leaves are scarcely damaged by herbivores such as caterpillars and kangaroos, unlike leaves of other orchids. A possible explanation is that alkaloids produced by Cryptostylis, called Cryptostylines, are toxic or detrimental towards herbivores. This project aims to verify these observations by comparing herbivory damage in Cryptostylis ovata to co-occurring species and to identify the structure of Cryptostylines.