Pollination in the bee orchid
In Britain, insect visitors to the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) are uncommon and the flower is usually self pollinated. However, on the continental mainland of Europe, this and many other Ophrys species have specialist insect pollinators, which are attracted to them by pseudopheromones (false female scents).
The pseudopheromones persuade male insects to try to mate with the flower. Pollinia are much modified anthers, containing pollen. The pollinia become attached to the insect, which then flies to another flower and thus transfers the pollen.
In the image shown of the bee orchid in Britain, when the flower first opens (shown here), the pollinia are hidden in the ‘hood’ at the top of the flower. After a day or two, self pollination usually occurs. The pollinia fall down and are blown by wind into contact with the sticky stigma (shown in the next image).
Image by John Bebbington FRPS
Pollination in the bee orchid
In Britain, insect visitors to the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) are uncommon and the flower is usually self pollinated. However, on the continental mainland of Europe, this and many other Ophrys species have specialist insect pollinators, which are attracted to them by pseudopheromones (false female scents).
The pseudopheromones persuade male insects to try to mate with the flower. Pollinia are much modified anthers, containing pollen. The pollinia become attached to the insect, which then flies to another flower and thus transfers the pollen.
In the image shown of the bee orchid in Britain, when the flower first opens (shown here), the pollinia are hidden in the ‘hood’ at the top of the flower. After a day or two, self pollination usually occurs. The pollinia fall down and are blown by wind into contact with the sticky stigma (shown in the next image).
Image by John Bebbington FRPS