Bee orchid

Today's the day .................... to mimic

A visit today to Rhiwledyn - a 12 acre nature reserve situated close to the sea and part of the Little Orme Site of Special Scientific Interest. The eastern part of the reserve is dominated by limestone grassland with some exposed limestone cliffs.  There were lots of interesting plants and birds to see - but finding this bee orchid (my first sighting ever) just made my day.

Small but flamboyant, the bee orchid is one of nature's great mimics.  Perched within the large pink sepals are petals, shaped and coloured for all the world exactly like a visiting bee.  Apparently, the deception goes further than visual appearance alone because not only does it emit a female bee scent, the fake 'bee'  is hairy to touch.  The aim of the mimicry is to attract passing male bees in the hope they will try to mate and thus aid pollination. 

This isn't strictly necessary in Britain because bee orchids self-pollinate - but better to be safe than sorry.........................