​Platanthera x bicolor Hybrid -White Fringed [Platanthera blephariglottis] x Orange
​Fringed Orchid [Platanthera ciliaris]   [pollination & insect interaction]

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail [Papilio glaucus] gathering nectar from a Platanther x bicolor [P. blephariglottis x P. ciliaris], inadvertently now has pollinarium stuck to both its eyes, have been pulled from the anther sac located on either side of the nectary opening, by getting the viscidium [located at the tip of the anther sac] stuck upon its eye. Visiting the next flower the tip of the pollinarium containing the pollinia will rub against the sticky stigma, depositing gains of pollinium on it and pollination will have been completed. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-22-25. [above & below]

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail [Papilio glaucus] gathering nectar from a Platanther x bicolor [P. blephariglottis x P. ciliaris], inadvertently now has pollinarium stuck to both its eyes, have been pulled from the anther sac located on either side of the nectary opening, by getting the viscidium [located at the tip of the anther sac] stuck upon its eye. Visiting the next flower the tip of the pollinarium containing the pollinia will rub against the sticky stigma, depositing gains of pollinium on it and pollination will have been completed. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-22-25.

This close up shows the stigma [the lighter area between the anther sacks and above the nectary opening] having tiny grains of pollinia deposited on it in a straight line. Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Close up showing the beautiful anther sacs on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Crab Spider [shadow] hunting on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Crab Spider hunting on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Crab Spider hunting on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Crab Spider hunting on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15

Crab Spider hunting on Platanthera x bicolor. Luzerne County, Pa. 7-28-15