Home Research & Education Researchers Tricked Flies Into Loving 3D Printed Orchids

Researchers Tricked Flies Into Loving 3D Printed Orchids

Mushroom and Orchid

To find out how Dracula orchids get flies to land on their blossoms researchers 3D printed orchids of their own.

The researchers designed a orchid that looked liked the original and moulded a version out of silicone from the 3D printed model. Silicone is is scent free and allowed the researchers to test their theories.

They found out that the Dracula orchid mimics the form, colour and scent of neighbouring mushrooms which attract flies. First the researchers tested the 3D printed orchid and the flies didn’t react to the orchid. After adding the scent from the mushroom which was measured upfront the team found that the flies started noticing the orchids.

The paper was released in this month New Phytologist.


Metal Binder Jetting: The Key to Efficient Tool Manufacturing? - Exclusive Insights from INDO-MIM

Fill out the form and get instant access to an exclusive webinar on HP's Metal Binder Jetting 3D printing technology with exciting insights from INDO-MIM.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
By filling this form, HP may contact you to keep you updated on offers, updates and events. Please, select your preferences.
You can find out more about 3Printr.com's privacy policy here.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.

Privacy Policy*
 

You can find the privacy policy for the newsletter here. You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. For further questions, you can contact us here.