Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis [pollination & insect interaction]

This picture taken by Noah Cawthon shows a Dun Skipper [Euphyes vestris] on Spiranthes lacera var. graclis, and should be considered a pollinator of this orchid, notice the pollen on the proboscis. Chester County, Pa. 8-26-25

These pictures taken by Noah Cawthon show a Dun Skipper [Euphyes vestris] on Spiranthes lacera var. graclis, show pollen on various places on the skipper and should be considered a pollinator of this orchid, notice the pollen on the proboscis in picture no. 2. Chester County, Pa. 8-26-25

Bumblebee [Bombus impatiens] pollinating Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis. Columbia County, Pa. 9-29-25. You can see the pollen on the bees tongue.

A total of twelve hours over three days was spent hoping to see the pollinator of this beautiful and tiny orchid, Southern Ladies Tresses [Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis]. Finally late on my third try this Bumblebee [Bombus impatiens] appeared from out of nowhere and landed on the bottom flower of the spiral [that was still open] and "worked" on each flower in turn all the way to the top. When the bee was finished with the last flower off it went, far and out of sight, as it seems she traveled a great distance to forage with just this one plant that still had flowers [at one time there was six blooming]. You can see the pollen on the Bumblebees tongue. I was very gratefull and fortunate to finally witness the pollination of this tiny orchid as it was my last try, with just this one plant remaining. Also shown seed pods one month later from the same plant and seed development as pollination was successful. There is nothing more I would rather do and if nothing was seen at least I could say I tried, at least that's the way I look at it. Trying to catch pollinators isn't for everyone and it is definitely not for the faint of heart, as you need a lot of patience and the ability to disregard many biting insects, but there is nothing I would rather do and besides the mosquitoes are always glad that I came! Columbia County, Pa. 9-29-25.

Bumblebee [Bombus impatiens] pollinating Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis. Columbia County, Pa. 9-29-25. You can see the pollen on the bees tongue in some of the pictures.

Ground Crab Spider [Xysticus] Hunting on Southern Ladies Tresses [Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis]. Columbia County, Pa. 9-27-25

Southern Slender Ladies Tresses [Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis]. Columbia County, Pa. 9-9-25. There is some thought that the striping that can be seen in the green area helps lead [direct] the pollinators, in this case bees, to the column and the pollen in the back of the flower. Recently a unknown skipper butterfly has also been seen on this orchid and might also be considered a pollinator.

Green Winged Lebia [Libia viridipennis] on Southern Slender Ladies Tresses [Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis]. Columbia County, Pa. 9-9-25