Malaxis unifolia [pollination & insect interaction]

 Common Goldeneye Lacewing nymph [Chrysopa oculata] hunting on Malaxis unifolia, also seen a unknown spider. Clearwater, Mn. 7-11-24

 Common Goldeneye Lacewing nymph [Chrysopa oculata] hunting on Malaxis unifolia, also seen a unknown spider. Clearwater, Mn. 7-11-24

Watching this Common Goldeneye Lacewing nymph [Chrysopa oculata], was like seeing a creature from another time long ago. A voracious eater, feeding on ahpids, leaf hoppers, mites, thrips, mealybugs and other soft bodied insects. He dutifully examined each flower on this Green Adder's Mouth [Malaxis unifolia] of which there were a great many. Originally thinking this could be a unknown pollinator of this orchid, it is still possible as it spent a great deal of time at each flowers pollen, as seen in this picture. Clearwater, Mn. 7-11-24

Watching this Common Goldeneye Lacewing nymph [Chrysopa oculata], was like seeing a creature from another time long ago. A voracious eater, feeding on ahpids, leaf hoppers, mites, thrips, mealybugs and other soft bodied insects. He dutifully examined each flower on this Green Adder's Mouth [Malaxis unifolia] of which there were a great many. Originally thinking this could be a unknown pollinator of this orchid, it is still possible as it spent a great deal of time at each flowers pollen, as seen in this picture. Clearwater, Mn. 7-11-24

Western Flower Thrip [Frankiniella occidental's] that has expanded range on Malaxis unifolia. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Western Flower Thrip [Frankiniella occidental's] that has expanded range on Malaxis unifolia. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Western Flower Thrip [Frankiniella occidental's] that has expanded range on Malaxis unifolia. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Western Flower Thrip [Frankiniella occidental's] that has expanded range on Malaxis unifolia. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24

Western Flower Thrip [Frankiniella occidental's] that has expanded range on Malaxis unifolia. Tioga County, Pa. 7-4-24