Platanthera grandiflora ​[pollination & insect interaction]

Large Purple Fringed Orchid [Platanthera grandiflora] showing the tiny grains of pollen on the stigma and that pollination has been successful, at least for this flower. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-19-24 [above & below]

This aphid [Acyrthosiphon spp] has taken up residence in this Platanthera grandiflora [Purple Fringed Orchid]. Aphids live entirely on plant sap. Notice too that stigma has tiny grains of pollen on it as it has been pollinated by different insect [most likely a Butterfly or moth].

Large Purple Fringed Orchid [Platanthera grandiflora]. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-13-23. Notice a tiny insect caught in the sticky viscidium.

Large Purple Fringed Orchid [Platanthera grandiflora]. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-13-23, Showing the pollinarium inside the anther sac, also notice the sticky viscidium at the tip of the anther sack.

Large Purple Fringed Orchid [Platanthera grandiflora]. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-13-23, Showing the pollinarium inside the anther sac, also notice the sticky viscidium at the tip of the anther sack.

Platanthera grandiflora showing pollination has been completed, notice tiny grains of pollen [pollinia] attached to the stigma. Lebanon County, Pa. 6-13-23