Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-3-1983
First Page
15
Last Page
25
Abstract
Congruences in pilosity between two verified Hymenoptera/orchid associations: Campsoscolia ciliate/Ophrys speculum and Argogorytes sp./O. insectifera, and the suggested association Euce ra nigrilabris/O. scolopax were investigated using the scanning electron microscope. Morphological evidence. suggests that Ophrys flowers mimic the hair patterns of hymenopteran females, offering males copulatory stimuli and positioning them correctly at the labellum for pollination. Males are initially attracted olfactorily and visually at short distances. It is not believed to be the visual appearance of the hairs that is mimicked, but their ability to stimulate males tactilely at appropriate mechano/proprioceptive sites and by being distributed in optimal patterns on the flowers.
Recommended Citation
Agren, Lennart; Kullenberg, Bertil; and Sensenbaugh, Terry, "Congruences in Pilosity between Three Species of Ophrys (Orichidaceae) and their Hymenopteran Pollinators" (1983). A. Paper 38.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_a/38