Pseudocopulation

Definition

A reproductive behavior in which an animal performs copulatory actions with an object or organism that is not an actual mate, typically elicited by mimicry that deceives the actor into responding to false mating cues. In entomology, most commonly describes male insects attempting to mate with flowers that visually, chemically, or tactilely mimic conspecific females, thereby effecting pollination without true sexual union.

Etymology

From Greek pseudo- (false) + Latin copulare (to join together), reflecting the deceptive resemblance to genuine copulation.

Example

Male bees and wasps of the genus Campsoscolia attempt to mate with flowers of the orchid Ophrys speculum, which produces both the visual pattern and pheromone bouquet of a receptive female wasp; the male's pseudocopulation transfers pollinia to and from the flower.

Related Terms

• Pouyannian mimicry
• sexual deception
• pollination syndrome
• mimicry
• copulation
• pollinator behavior

Usage Notes

Distinguished from true copulation by the absence of gamete transfer between the participants; the reproductive benefit (if any) accrues asymmetrically, usually to the mimic rather than the deceived actor. The term is sometimes extended to analogous behaviors in arachnids (e.g., male spiders responding to chemical lures), but in entomology it remains tightly associated with floral mimicry systems. Not used for failed or incomplete copulation attempts between actual mates.