Bee Orchid
The Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) flowering in the reserve in a company of a Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) coming to bloom in the background. Another orchid species to add to my list of wild orchids of the Browne’s Folly Nature Reserve. Though it is on official records for this WT reserve, it is for the first time in many years since visiting this place I found this little stunner in full blooming glory. The bee orchid flower mimics a female of certain species of bees to fool males that will try to mate with a flower pollinating it. These bees apparently are not found in the UK where these orchids move to plan B of self-pollination. Avon Wildlife Trust, Bathford near Bath, England, UK
Bee Orchid
The Bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) flowering in the reserve in a company of a Pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) coming to bloom in the background. Another orchid species to add to my list of wild orchids of the Browne’s Folly Nature Reserve. Though it is on official records for this WT reserve, it is for the first time in many years since visiting this place I found this little stunner in full blooming glory. The bee orchid flower mimics a female of certain species of bees to fool males that will try to mate with a flower pollinating it. These bees apparently are not found in the UK where these orchids move to plan B of self-pollination. Avon Wildlife Trust, Bathford near Bath, England, UK