Pollination of Sedirea japonica (Orchidaceae) by Bombus diversus diversus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

There are no records of the pollinators of many orchids even though the Orchidaceae are often cited as the example of an intimate relationship between plants and their pollinators. We recorded the insects visiting the flowers of Sedirea japonica that might be pollinators of this species by using digital cameras to take photographs automatically of the flowers. Based on our evidence of pollinia being attached or removed from flowers, we conclude that Sedirea japonica can be pollinated by Bombus diversus diversus.

Keywords

• hymenoptera
• apidae
• bombus
• bumblebee
• orchid
• sedirea japonica
• pollinator
• xylocopa