Chiropterophily, or pollination by bats, is a process where bats facilitate the transfer of pollen between flowers.
This specific pollination method, while less common than insect or bird pollination, is vital for certain plants, especially in tropical and desert environments.
Mechanisms of chiropterophily:
- Floral attractants: Bats are drawn to flowers that typically exhibit large size, potent sweet fragrances, and nocturnal blooming. These flowers are often pale for improved visibility in low light.
- Floral adaptations: Bat-pollinated flowers are usually large and robust, producing abundant nectar. They are also positioned on plants strong enough to support a feeding bat.
- Pollination action: While feeding on nectar, bats inadvertently contact the plant's reproductive parts, transferring pollen between flowers and thereby enabling pollination.
Plants pollinated by bats include:
- Agave: The agave plant, the source of tequila, is pollinated by bats, notably the lesser long-nosed bat.
- Durian: In Southeast Asia, the durian fruit is pollinated by fruit bats.
- Cacti: Certain cactus species, particularly in arid regions, depend on bats for pollination.
Chiropterophily represents a significant ecological relationship in bat-rich areas, contributing to the reproductive success of specific plant species.