Question

How does the Mediterranean orchid Ophrys ensure its pollination by bees?

Answer 1

Mediterranean orchid ophrys employs ‘sexual deceit’ to ensure its pollination by bees. Here, one petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to the female of the bee in size, colour and markings. The males bee is attracted to what is perceives as a female, ‘pseudocopulates’ with the flower, and during that process is dusted with pollen from the flower. When this same bee ‘pseudocopulates’ with another flower, it transfers pollen to it and thus, pollinates the flower.