Pollination during feeding behaviour
Caladenia robinsonii (Frankston Spider-orchid) attracts wasps by sexual deception and achieves pollination as they feed on its nectar.
The orchid lures a male wasp with the scent of a female wasp emitted from dark ‘clubs’ at the ends of its petals. After initial sexual attraction, the wasp then feeds on sugars from the lip of the flower. While feeding, pollen is deposited on the wasp by the orchid. Such is the power of the sexual attractant, the male wasp is drawn to another flower where the process repeats and pollen is transferred.
Video credit: Dr Ryan Phillips, Prof Rod Peakall and Dr Noushka Reiter.