Paphiopedilum helenae

[paphjoint]

I find this one so cute

 

[cdub]

Cyclops! I wonder how the staminode is deceptive to the pollinator? That glossy yellow and green spot make it seem as if it fools the insect into thinking there's some yummy nectar there.

 

[Heather]

Great photo too - never realized that those hairs were there.
I love the colors on this one. Especially the staminode.

 

[gore42]

Another beauty! I hope that these are legal in the US one of these days

- Matt

 

[Rick]

Cyclops! I wonder how the staminode is deceptive to the pollinator? That glossy yellow and green spot make it seem as if it fools the insect into thinking there's some yummy nectar there.

That big green dot in the middle of the staminode is an aphid mimic. This is to attract hover flies, who's larvae eat aphids. When the fly lands on the staminode to lay some eggs, it falls into the pouch and the sytem goes into action.

 

[cdub]

That's awesome!! Thanks Rick.

 

[Rick]

You're welcome
I think the topic of slipper pollination is fascinating.

Paphs in general are not limited to hover flys as the parvis (allong with Cypripedeum) are pollinated by native bees.

Since there are lots of bee and hover fly species, the specificity of which bug species pollinates which slipper is very intriquing.

 

[Heather]

I think the topic of slipper pollination is fascinating.

Me too! They're such sneaky, deceptive little imps aren't they?
Part of why I love them.

 

[L I Jane]

Very pretty paph-nice colour!

 

[Gideon]

Beautiful, I have to get one of these...soon

 

[SlipperFan]

Very nice.