Paphiopedilum helenae

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paphjoint

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I find this one so cute

Paphiopedilum%20helenae.jpg
 
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.
 
Another beauty! I hope that these are legal in the US one of these days

- Matt
 
cdub said:
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.
 
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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.
 
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