Anthecology of Orchis mascula (Orchidaceae)

Interactions between Orchis mascula L. ssp. mascula and anthophilous insects were studied mainly on the island of Öland, Sweden. The species is nectarless and acts by deceiving various bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). Temporary seeking/exploratory drives of bees for food–sources were exploited by means of superiority in floral display. A floral reflectance maximum at 440 nm (blue) largely determines the colour in the visual spectrum of bees. The floral scent is composed to about 90% of mono–terpenes. Nothing suggested mimesis of concurrent food–flowers either in colour or in scent. Anthesis covered a time period in late spring when (a) concurrent food–flowers for bees were rather few, (b) many bumble–bee queens (Bombus Latr. spp.) were inexperienced as regards food–flowers and had no foraging routines, (c) cuckoo bumble–bee females (Psithyrus Lep. spp.) recovery–fed on flowers after hibernation, (d) males of Eucera longicornis (L.) (Anthophoridae) patrolled far out from their nest–area, and when (e) many solitary bee species flew about. The pollinator fauna differed between sites, viz. either Bombus queens, Psithyrus females or E. longicornis males transported the majority of the pollinaria. The pollination system does not seem to be stabilised in the study areas. Floral morphology indicates that the plant's anthecological specialisation to bees as a group implies a graded unspecialisation to each species of bee in the legitimate pollinator group.