I am proposing to conduct a field study of trichome-mediated defense in the genus Mentzelia (Loasaceae). Like other members of the Loasaceae, Mentzelia produces a complex array of defensive trichomes, including scabrid (rough) hairs and hairs with recurved barbs. The barbed hairs often catch insects, but it remains unknown whether this is a form of direct defense or a more complex strategy for attracting beneficial predators, as has been shown in other sticky plants. At least one member of the genus produces post-floral nectar to attracts ants that defend the developing seed pods, but it remains unknown whether other species participate in a similar mutualism. It is also unknown whether species that attract ants produce less dangerous trichomes to avoid catching their mutualists. To test this, I will locate Mentzelia populations in the reserve and nearby public land, survey for trapped carrion, herbivores, predators, ants, and post-floral nectar, and perform statistical analysis to determine a) whether trichomes facilitate indirect defense via carrion entrapment and b) if species that produce extrafloral nectar invest differently in trichomes to avoid catching mutualist ants.

Approved