Usually the phenomenon of pollinating seed predation is associated with the well-known biologies of figs and fig wasps (Agaonidae) or yuccas and yucca moths (Prodoxidae). These interactions are extraordinary because the wasps and moths have evolved active pollination, i.e. morphological and behavioral adaptations for transporting pollen. Their larval development involves the consumption of seeds, but may be regulated with fruit abortion by the host. Apparently, pollinating seed predation in combination with passive pollination has also evolved repeatedly, e.g. in globeflower flies (Anthomyiidae) and senita moths (Pyralidae). These more recently discovered associations have provided contrasts for ecological comparisons and have stimulated conceptual advances in phylogenetic analyses of coevolution. Here I present natural history information on the Neotropical association between Carludovica (Monocotyledoneae: Cyclanthaceae) and its (passively) pollinating seed predator Perelleschus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Curculioninae: Derelomini), in light of the phylogeny of both taxa. At La Selva, Costa Rica, two species of Perelleschus pollinate the inflorescences of Carludovica sulcata. However, the smaller P. sulcatae Franz & O'Brien appears to be a more efficient pollinator than the larger P. carludovicae Günther, in part because the adults of the latter have to chew their way through the external, densely arranged staminate flowers in order to contact the stigmas of the internal, pistillate flowers. Interestingly, the larvae of P. carludovicae are also more destructive, consuming seeds rather than pulp, although their damage does not affect the process of fructification. Systenotelus costaricensis Anderson & Gómez, a nonpollinating seed predator, is unable to oviposit through the staminate flowers of Carludovica sulcata. Based on morphological hypotheses of their phylogenies, I identify corresponding apomorphies among Carludovica and Perelleschus which constitute evidence for coevolution.
Species 1: Coleoptera Curculionidae Perelleschus carludovicae
Species 2: Coleoptera Curculionidae Perelleschus sulcatae
Species 3: Coleoptera Curculionidae Systenotelus costaricensis
Keywords: pollination, coevolution
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