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Ground-breaking field observations, funded in part by National Geographic, are shedding new light on Florida’s iconic Ghost Orchid. Because this orchid has a long nectar spur, it has long been thought that only the Giant Sphinx moth would be capable of reaching the nectar and pollinating the flower. But remote cameras set up in wildlife refuges have documented five species of moths visiting these Ghost Orchids and two of moth species were observed leaving the flowers with Ghost Orchid pollinia on their heads. This research not only provides insight into the orchid’s reproductive biology, it suggests that conserving the endangered Ghost Orchid may be less difficult than assumed, since it is not dependent on only one pollinator. The findings also suggest the Ghost Orchid’s nectar may be an important food source for these species of moths. Read the full story on National Geographic’s website.
photo ©Hal Horwitz
