THE POLLINATION ECOLOGY OFEPIPACTIS CONSIMILISDON (ORCHIDACEAE) IN ISRAEL

Abstract
Summary: Observations on the pollination ecology ofEpipactis consimilisDon (Orchidaceae) in Israel are described. The pollinators were found to be eight species of five genera of hover files (Syrphidae), especiallySphaerophoria scriptaandS. rueppellii.Different behaviour patterns of the insect species and the sexes thereof are given and discussed. It is suggested that the flower mimics the shape and colour of aphids and this attracts aphidophagous hover flies.

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