Quantum dots capture speciation in sandplain fynbos on the West Coast of South Africa

With a tongue up to 7 cm long, the long-tongue fly Moegistorhynchus longirostris often battle to fly, especially in the wind. Researchers were able to show conclusively that long- and short-tubed flowers place and receive pollen on different parts of the fly’s long tongue: short tubed flowers mostly midway and long-tubed flowers on or near the head. This indicates a barrier to the flow of genes.