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

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.