Scientists reveal how deceptive daisy creates ‘fake lady flies’ to attract males

Researchers from the University of Cambridge now believe they may have found the answer in three sets of genes in the plant

A real fly, right, alongside a fake fly, left (A Ellis/University of Cambridge)

Scientists have discovered how a daisy native to South Africa employs deception by creating fake lady flies to attract males.

Gorteria diffusa is the only daisy known to develop deceptive structures on its petals that look like female flies – complete with hairy bumps and white highlights – something that has intrigued scientists for decades.