Sexually deceptive pollination of the non-native Ophrys fuciflora (Orchidaceae) in Japan by the native bee Eucera nipponensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

A study on the pollination of Ophrys fuciflora (Orchidaceae), which is not a native orchid of Japan, was carried out in a botanical garden in Japan, where the flowers attracted the solitary bee, Eucera nipponensis. Six male bees were observed visiting the flowers over a period of 8 h. The pollinia of O. fuciflora became attached to these bees and four were successfully transferred to the stigmas of nearby flowers. The present study verifies that a species of Ophrys can attract pollinators in Japan, which is at least 8,700 km far from their natural habitat. Thus, it is likely that species of Ophrys could potentially extend their distribution by forming new alliances with other species of bees.

Keywords

• diurnal bees
• pollinator
• pseudocopulation
• sexually deceptive pollination
• non-native plant
• japan