Platanthera ciliaris [yellow form] [pollination & insect ineraction]

This picture shows both anther sacs intact and containing their pollinaria, notice the viscidium are still present at the tips of the anther sacs. Platanthera ciliars [yellow form]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

This picture, a close up of the stigma on Platanthera ciliars [yellow form], shows the stigma covered in possible grains of pollinia [pollen]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

This is a close up picture of the anther sacs on Platanthera ciliars [yellow form], notice that both pollinaria have been removed. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

Thrip on Platanthera ciliars [yellow form]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

 Spicebush Swallowtail [Papilio troilus] with a pollinaria attached to its eye from Platanthera ciliaris [yellow form]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

Watch as a Spicebush Swallowtail [Papilio troilus] puts its proboscis deep into the spur [nectary] of Platanther ciliars [yellow form] and comes into contact with the viscidium and pulls a pollinarium form the anther sack, and now is attached to its eye. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

Watch as a Spicebush Swallowtail [Papilio troilus] puts its proboscis deep into the spur [nectary] of Platanther ciliars [yellow form] and comes into contact with the viscidium and pulls a pollinarium form the anther sack, and now is attached to its eye. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-19-24

Spicebush Swallowtail [Papilio troilus] in the act of pollinating Orange Fringed Orchid [Platanthera ciliaris][yellow form]. Schuylkill County, Pa. 7-23-24. Notice the many pollinaria that are stuck to the eyes of this butterfly. After visiting a flower the eye comes into contact with the viscidium at the tip of the anther sack [which is sticky], when leaving the flower the butterfly inadvertently pulls the pollinarium out of the anther sack. When the Butterfly flies with pollinaria attached to its eyes, this dries the pollinaria and forces them to face foward so when the Butterfly enters another flower the pollina at the tip will come into contact with the stigma and pollination [hopefully] has been successful. The orchid, in this case P. ciliaris, has evolved to create this intricate relationship with a butterfly, by providing nectar, to be pollinated and produce seeds and the continuation of its species. The wonders of plants including orchids and their relationships with insects, sometimes specific insects, to be pollinated and continue their kind is truly amazing and a wonder of nature.