May 31, 2013

Fly Orchid


Another plant that merges into its surroundings is the Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera). It is an orchid with unconspicuous tiny brown flowers. It grows in open spaces in woods on dry, poor soil where you can find it between small oaks and junipers.
 

But some insects know very well how to find it. The flowers look like a fly or bee, with even antennae. And they smell good to those insects because they secrete pheromone-like substances.














But some insects know very well how to find it. The flowers look like a fly or bee, with even antennae. And they smell good to those insects because they secrete pheromone-like substances.