Certain Odors Distract Pollinators from Flowers

Some insects might have trouble finding their favorite flowers, according to a recent study published in the journal Science. Researchers found that along the way, many may be misguided by car exhaust and other acrid smells that can mesh out nectar's sweet scent. 

This study in particular looked at tobacco hornworm moths, which are known to have a sense of smell that's similar to dogs. Researchers placed the Manduca sexta moth in a wind tunnel that exposed them to the odor of their favorite flower, the datura. Other smells that the American insect could encounter were also mixed into the tunnel, according to a news release. 

As these moths feed off the nectar from plants, researchers found that the months tracked the flower's scent better when the air was cleaner and other smells were not present. They also found that certain odors specifically changed how the month's brain processed scents, in general.

During the experiment, sometimes a scent would come from a confounding smell via the creosote bush where the datura grows. Yet the smell of compound fuel emissions was also added to the mix, in some cases, to confuse the insects

Researchers discovered that in both cases, the moth found it harder to discover the flowers odor due to other distracting scents.

According to lead study author Jeffrey Riffell, a biologist at the University of Washington, Seattle, moths are not the only ones to suffer from such distractions. Bees can also become confused due to vehicle emissions. 

However, Riffel said the results are rather surprising as moths, like to dogs, have a keen sense of smell up to 1,000 times greater than humans. 

However, when these insects are confused while hunting for their food source, we're missing out on the benefits of these essential pollinators.