Pollination strategies of a Neotropical orchid
Neotropical orchids have developed multiple strategies to attract pollinators. From nectar rewards that lure bees and other insects to their flowers to very sophisticated deceptive strategies that employ color, shape, or fragrance to trick their visitors.
In partnership with colleagues from the Jardín Botánico Lankester and other collaborators from the Universidad de Costa Rica, we are investigating the pollination strategies used by the Spider orchid (Brassia arcuigera). While we are still accumulating evidence, we have found that Spider-hunting wasps of the genus Pepsis are most likely the main pollinator of this orchid species. Spider orchids seem to use a deceptive mechanism based on specific fragrances that lure the wasps to look for sweet rewards. |
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