New Zealand spider orchid (Corybas trilobus) exploits the reproductive behaviour of fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophila) for pollination.

Corybas trilobus (tag-name Corybas Remutaka) is self-compatible and nectarless, and its pollination depends on Mycetophila phyllura, with low natural fruit-set.

• Why it matters: Remote habitats often have reduced pollinator diversity, yet Corybas orchids are thought to use brood-site deception; this study tests whether that strategy operates in Corybas Remutaka.
• What they did: Hand self- and cross-pollination experiments assessed breeding system, while SEM, neutral red staining, field/ex situ behavioral observations, and olfactory/UV analyses characterized floral cues.
• The result: Only hand self- and cross-pollinated flowers formed capsules and natural fruit-set was low; no typical brood-site deception fungal compounds were detected, but alkane, sesquiterpene, and fatty aldehydes were found.