Pseudocopulation

Pseudocopulation in Pouyannian mimicry

Dupe: Dasyscolia ciliata, a scoliid wasp, attempting to copulate with a flower of the orchid Ophrys speculum

Mimic: Ophrys speculum, the mirror bee orchid

Pseudocopulation is a behavior similar to copulation that serves a reproductive function for one or both participants but does not involve actual sexual union between the individuals. It is most generally applied to a pollinator attempting to copulate with a flower adapted to mimic a potential female mate. The resemblance may be visual, but the key stimuli are often chemical and tactile. The form of mimicry in plants that deceives an insect into pseudocopulation is called Pouyannian mimicry after the French lawyer and amateur botanist Maurice-Alexandre Pouyanne.

A non-mimetic form of pseudocopulation has been observed in some parthenogenetic, all-female species of lizard. The behaviour does not appear to be necessary to trigger parthenogenesis.