Abstract
Plants in a Buckinghamshire, England population of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo were seen to be visited by two species of Bombus (B. lapidarius and B. terrestris) and by Apis mellfera. Several other insect species were infrequent visitors. The flowers possess a copious stigmatic exudate which contains glucose and amino acids. The behaviour of honeybees on the flowers indicates that they can exploit the exudate. Bumblebees appear to be deceived, but may exploit the exudate also. The alternative possibilities are discussed in relation to other orchids.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 343-350 |
Journal | Flora: Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants |
Volume | 178 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1986 |