Bees and white spiders: unravelling the pollination syndrome of Caladenia rigida (Orchidaceae)

摘要: Orchids of the genus Caladenia have been shown to utilise two quite different pollination strategies, namely species-specific sexual deception thynnine wasps and a more generalist strategy attracting larger spectrum foraging insects. While baiting techniques enabled identification numerous pollinators sexually deceptive Caladenia, insects that pollinate food-advertising species received little attention. The present study employed multidisciplinary approach better evaluate syndrome white spider orchid, rigida R.S.Rogers, previously reported both food deception. This included observation capture potential C. through direct observation, pantraps, Malaise traps pollinator-baiting experiments, use molecular identify orchid pollinia isolated from carrier We describe suite visiting bearing rigida. In addition, samples collected labellum column contained sugars at levels comparable those known nectar-producing Microtis parviflora R.Br. Potential osmophores in clubs calli stained positively with neutral red although this character is often associated deception, we found no evidence for secondary first one provide detailed description non-sexually within report nectar production by genus.