Orchids show a bewildering diversity of floral patterns.

Many of which have evolved to attract the right pollinator insects (bees and bumblebees) and ensure guaranteed pollination.

Showing bee-a pollinator on orchid flower

Not all orchids offer rewards.

– The Mediterranean orchid ophrys employs sexual deceit.

One petal of its flower bears an uncanny resemblance to female of the bee in size, colour and markings.

The male bee is attracted to what it perceives as a female, pseudocopulates with the flower.

In this process pollens are dusted from the flower.

– Same bee when pseudocopulates with another flower transfers pollens therefore pollination takes place.