Overview
- Thermal imaging and gene analyses show cones produce a daily burst of heat, with male structures warming first and female cones heating hours later to steer beetle movement.
- Field dye-tracking and behavior tests found beetles target the warmest cone regions and still choose heated 3D‑printed cones when infrared is the only available cue.
- Electron microscopy, electrophysiology and transcript data identify specialized thermosensitive antennal organs, including TRPA1 channels tuned to each host’s temperature range.
- Researchers and commentators argue the heat signal predates color- and scent-based pollination and may have constrained cycad diversification compared with flowering plants.
- Experts warn that climate warming could weaken the temperature contrasts beetles rely on, adding risk to a plant group already heavily endangered.