Pollination by sexual deception of fungus gnats (Keroplatidae and Mycetophilidae) in two clades of Pterostylis (Orchidaceae)

Pterostylis is a diverse genus of terrestrial orchids with dull-coloured trap flowers, of which pollination has largely remained a mystery. Recently, one species has been confirmed to achieve pollination by the sexual deception of male fungus gnats. Here we assess if this pollination mechanism is used more widely in the genus. We ‘baited’ for pollinators using five representative Pterostylis spp. spanning the three main clades (A–C) of the...