The cones of Macrozamia cycads (from Australia) have volatile profiles and thermogenic patterns that correlate with the behavior of their specific insect pollinators. Differences in these patterns across Macrozamia species are related to pollinator type, the weevil, Tranes sp., or the thrips, Cycadothrips chadwicki. Generally, pollinator movement into and out of cones coincides with periods of cone thermogenesis and increased odor emission: just after sunset for Tranes, and at mid-day for Cycadothrips. Cone activities (temperature elevation and fragrance release) of several Macrozamia species were tracked over time relative to their specific pollinator type to determine more specifically the relationship between some of the cone traits and insect movement. State and parameter modeling estimation techniques were used to predict metabolic activities that would produce the empirically measured cone temperatures. Volatiles were collected over 30 min. intervals by dynamic head space techniques and analyzed quantitatively using gas chromatography. The complementary experimental measurements and model predictions are used to: separate the effects of cone metabolism and ambient temperature on cone temperatures; examine the relationships between cone metabolism, volatile release, temperature elevation, and pollinator activity; and develop hypotheses regarding the evolution of thermogenic metabolic patterns in these cycads.