Isotria verticillata [pollination & insect interaction]

Unknown caterpillar feeding on the ridges on the outside of a Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata] seed pod. Dauphin County, Pa. 11-18-24 

I captured this unknown caterpillar feeding on the ridges on the outside of a Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata] seed pod [as you can see in the first picture, the outer layer of the ridges at the top of the pod have been eaten to a lighter color], on November 18, with temperatures in the 50's. The caterpillar was still seen eating on November 21, temperatures had droped to a chilly 37 degrees. The caterpillar is no longer on the pod as of December 1. I had no idea the insects, such as this tiny caterpillar could still be so active, so late in the year and with such cold temperatures. Dauphin County, Pa.

I captured this unknown caterpillar feeding on the ridges on the outside of a Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata] seed pod [as you can see in the first picture, the outer layer of the ridges at the top of the pod have been eaten to a lighter color], on November 18, with temperatures in the 50's. The caterpillar was still seen eating on November 21, temperatures had droped to a chilly 37 degrees. The caterpillar is no longer on the pod as of December 1. I had no idea the insects, such as this tiny caterpillar could still be so active, so late in the year and with such cold temperatures. Dauphin County, Pa.

Seed pod from Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 8-5-24. Shown with a pod from 2 years ago. Of the 18 plants that flowered in this area only 3 were pollinated and produced seed pods.

This picture shows all that is left of the once magnificent flower of the Large Whorled Pogonia [Iostria verticillata] [left], right shows the same flower just two weeks before. It was not successfully pollinated, as there is no seed pod on this flower this year. It is truly a marvel after all the challeges plants go through in a year just to produce a single flower for just two weeks and hopefully reproduce. From gowing all summer, and in the case of this orchid the leaves, after flowering, will double in size to store enough energy to produce a flower next year and hopefully be successfully pollinated. In the mean time it will need sufficient moisture, sunlight. and avoiding being eaten by a bear, or deer, or perhaps a rabbit, and avoid all the ravages of insects. For all their beauty plants such as this one orchid have a single purpose, to reproduce and continue its species.

The beautiful Orange Patched Smokey Moth [Pyromorpha dimidiata] on Large Whorled Pogina [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-31-24

The beautiful Orange Patched Smokey Moth [Pyromorpha dimidiata] on Large Whorled Pogina [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-31-24

The beautiful Orange Patched Smokey Moth [Pyromorpha dimidiata] on Large Whorled Pogina [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-31-24

Aphids [Hemipteran] have made a home inside this Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-18-24

Aphids [Hemipteran] have made a home inside this Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-18-24

Aphids [Hemipteran] have made a home inside this Large Whorled Pogonia [Isotria verticillata]. Dauphin County, Pa. 5-18-24