Thrips Swarm on Male Cycad Cone (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption Insects known as thrips are shown leaving the cone of a male cycad plant as the cone heats up and emits an odor to drive the insects away. The thrips feed on cycad pollen, which is contained in whitish sacs visible under the cone scales. As the odor dissipates, thrips are attracted back to the cones, but some mistakenly go to female cones, thereby pollinating the plants. University of Utah researchers believe this "push-pull" pollination method may represent an intermediate stage in the evolution of pollination. Credit Irene Terry, University of Utah. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.