How does the floral pattern of Mediterranean orchid Ophrys guarantee cross-pollination?
In many species of Mediterranean orchid Ophrys, the shape, colour marking and odour of flower are like the female moth Colpa. The Ophrys employs sexual deceit to get pollination done by the Colpa. The male moth matures earlier than the female. It mistakes the Ophrys flower for female and tries to copulate. Thus it pollinates the flower.
