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Abstract
1. We measured the effects of variation in corolla curvature and nectary aperture
radius on pollinator foraging ability using the hawkmoth Manduca sexta and 3D-printed
artificial flowers whose shapes were mathematically specified. 2. In dimorphic arrays
containing trumpet-shaped flowers and flat-disk flowers, hawkmoths were able to empty
the nectaries of significantly more trumpet-shaped flowers regardless of nectary aperture
size. Interestingly, trumpet-shaped flowers needed to deviate only slightly from the
flat-disk morphotype in order to significantly increase hawkmoth foraging ability.
3. Whole-flower three-dimensional shape, particularly corolla curvature, has the potential
to act as a mechanical guide for Manduca sexta, further implicating direct flower-proboscis
contact as an important contributor to foraging success during flower handling in
hawkmoths.