Researchers find that warmer temperatures are upsetting the seasonal relationship between the early spider orchid and pollinating bees It is one of the most cunning and elaborate reproductive deceits: the early spider orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) wafts a floral bouquet into the air that mimics the irresistible scent of a virgin female solitary mining bee,tricking gullible male bees into attempting intercourse with several flowers, thereby ensuring the plant’s pollination.
But the sexual success of this scarce and declining orchid in Britain is imperilled by climate change, or researchers enjoy found.
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Source: guardian.co.uk