title: Shape matters: corolla curvature improves nectar discovery in the hawkmothManduca sexta.
abstract: 1. We measured the effects of variation in corolla curvature and nectary aperture radius on pollinator foraging ability using the hawkmothManduca sextaand 3D-printed artificial flowers whose shapes were mathematically specified. 2. In dimorphic arrays containing trumpet-shaped flowers and flat-disk flowers, hawkmoths were able to empty the nectaries of significantly more trumpet-shaped flowers regardless of nectary aperture size. Interestingly, trumpet-shaped flowers needed to deviate only slightly from the flat-disk morphotype in order to significantly increase hawkmoth foraging ability. 3. Whole-flower three-dimensional shape, particularly corolla curvature, has the potential to act as a mechanical guide forManduca sexta, further implicating direct flower-proboscis contact as an important contributor to foraging success during flower handling in hawkmoths.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Washington, 98195, USA.
authors.forename: E O
authors.initials: EO
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Washington, 98195, USA.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Bradshaw
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Washington, 98195, USA.
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Daniel