Floral mimicry between Orchis isrealitica Baumann and Dafni (Orchidaceae) and Bellevalia flexuosa Boiss

Orchis israelitica, which has no food reward, was found to share the pollinators of Bellevalia flexuosa: Eucera clypeata, Bombylius sp. and possibly also Anthophora sp. Since both species have a similar coloration pattern, flowering period and habitats -- it is suggested that O. israelitica mimics the flowers of B. flexuosa as a deceit syndrome of pollination. Aspects of floral mimicry, with special attention to floral adaptations in the genus Orchis, are discussed.