Sexually-deceived

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    This thynnine wasp has been attracted to the bird orchid, Chiloglottis valida, through its mimicry of the female wasp sex-pheromone.

    Tallaganda State Forest, NSW.

    chowchilla added this photo to their favorites. (43 months ago)

    1. skadieverwinter 43 months ago | reply

      oh noes!

    2. jeans_Photos 43 months ago | reply

      Very interesting. Have you seen this happen very often?

    3. Michael_Whitehead 43 months ago | reply

      Thanks jeans_Photos.

      This interaction is the subject of my postgraduate studies... so I see it happen every Spring :)

    4. jeans_Photos 43 months ago | reply

      Great work Michael!!
      I watch for wasps/bugs on our orchids here in the "West" but don't have the time to stay for too long on any orchids.

    5. Fred Muller 3 months ago | reply

      The most beautiful study ever :) Just giving me courage to be more patient, thank you !

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