Interspecific deceptive mimicry Sexual mimicry

bee orchid

interspecific sexual mimicry can occur in plant species. common example of known sexually deceptive pollination , found among orchids. orchid mimics pollinator’s females, hymenopterans such wasps , bees, attracting males flower. orchid flowers mimic sex pheromones , degree visual appearance of female insect of pollinator species. primacy of olfactory on visual cues has been demonstrated in many cases, such in european orchid genus ophrys many australian sexually deceptive orchids. in few other cases, such south african daisy gorteria diffusa, visual signals seem of primary importance. visual signals enhance attractiveness of flowers of ophrys species pollinators. male scoliid wasps such campsoscolia ciliata more attracted ophrys flowers’ odours odours of female wasps, although both attract males same compounds. result of higher amount of scent coming orchid flowers; female wasps tend produce less scent avoid attracting predators. regardless of whether orchids use appearances, fragrances or both, mimic female pollinator own benefit.