The Mode of Pollination in Habenaria Obtusata (Orchidaceae)

The role of mosquitoes and moths as pollinators of Habenaria obtusata was studied in northern Wisconsin during the summer of 1969. In each population studied, meter‐square quadrants were marked and the number of plants, flowers per inflorescence, rate and time of pollinia removed, and capsule set recorded. Carbon dioxide and modified New Jersey Light Traps were set during the flowering period to capture pollinia‐bearing insects. The study showed that female mosquitoes of the genus Aedes (particularly A. communis) and two species of Geometrid moths of the genus Xanthorhoe are important pollinators of H. obtusata. Pollination occurred during the last few days of flowering with an average of 18.0% of the pollinia removed and with 14.2% capsule set.