As Phil H mentioned in my previous post the bee orchid is self polinating in the UK, apparently we no longer have the correct species of bee that the flower evolved to mimic.
This is a relatively freshly emerged flower with one pollen sac hanging and ready to attach to what originally would have been the bee body. If you look closely in the larger image you can see the second pollen sack has been blown onto the stigma structure to start the self polination process.
Olympus E620, 50mm Macro (despite what I previously said - this was on a rising bank and easier to use the macro lens) ISO 200, 1.500s at F4, handheld + IS mode 1
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4 repliesAs Phil H mentioned in my previous post the bee orchid is self polinating in the UK, apparently we no longer have the correct species of bee that the flower evolved to mimic.
This is a relatively freshly emerged flower with one pollen sac hanging and ready to attach to what originally would have been the bee body. If you look closely in the larger image you can see the second pollen sack has been blown onto the stigma structure to start the self polination process.
Olympus E620, 50mm Macro (despite what I previously said
Another beauty, Mike. A wonder of nature indeed!!
Andy...
Nick.
Keith.