Floral mimicry between Orchis israelitica Baumann and Dafni (Orchidaceae) and Bellevalia flexuosa Boiss. (Liliaceae)

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Abstract
Orchis israelitica, which has no food reward, was found to share the pollinators of Bellevalia flexuosa: Eucera clypeata, Bombylius sp. and possibly also Anthophora sp. Since both species have a similar coloration pattern, flowering period and habitats — it is suggested that O. israelitica mimics the flowers of B. flexuosa as a deceit syndrome of pollination. Aspects of floral mimicry, with special attention to floral adaptations in the genus Orchis, are discussed.