Michael_Whitehead
Deception
Seductive and deceptive, the King Spider Orchid (Caladenia pectinata) of southern Western Australia lures its wasp pollinator (Zaspilothynnus nigripes) through a remarkable chemical trickery. The orchid's floral scent has evolved to mimic the sex pheromones of the female wasp. The male wasp (pictured) is irresistably drawn to the flower and during futile attempts at mating it carries out the crucial service of pollinating the plant. Sexual deception is just one of the many ways in which orchids use floral mimicry to achieve pollination.
Deception
Seductive and deceptive, the King Spider Orchid (Caladenia pectinata) of southern Western Australia lures its wasp pollinator (Zaspilothynnus nigripes) through a remarkable chemical trickery. The orchid's floral scent has evolved to mimic the sex pheromones of the female wasp. The male wasp (pictured) is irresistably drawn to the flower and during futile attempts at mating it carries out the crucial service of pollinating the plant. Sexual deception is just one of the many ways in which orchids use floral mimicry to achieve pollination.