As it’s #ValentinesDay I think we should consider the beautiful, romantic and interspecies liaison that is essential to the lifecycle of the stunning and enigmatic Fly Orchid. Thread! 1/9

The Fly Orchid is – in my opinion – the most deliciously stunning flower in Britain. Subtle and understated from afar, the deep purples and stunning blues of this tiny flower are guaranteed to delight. 2/9

It does look like a fly! And this is intentional! (as much as evolution has intent). It’s good enough mimicry that we can see an insect-like resemblance; amazing for a plant that doesn’t have any idea that this is what it’s trying to achieve. 3/9

Why does it ‘want’ to look like a fly? The orchid is trying to seduce male digger wasps by looking and smelling like a female digger wasp. It releases a scent that is similar to the pheromones of a female digger wasp. 4/9

The shape of the flower is broadly ‘wasp shaped’ and the shiny blue patch might resemble the glint of wings in sunlight. 5/9

The male tries to mate and in the process ‘pollinia’ (a blob of pollen, essentially) can stick to him. If he tries to mate with another flower, he then pollinates it. Great picture here: http://chrislansdell.blogspot.com/2019/06/rare-butterflies-and-orchids-in.html 6/9

Pollination rates of Fly Orchids are low: about 20% of flowers set seed. Does this show how complex and often unsuccessful this technique is? Or does it reflect the increasing rarity of Fly Orchids and their digger wasp paramours? 7/9

Fly Orchids declined dramatically before 1930 and they are still declining, though at a slower rate. Our work in Rockingham Forest and on the limestone of the Cotswolds should hopefully benefit this species in these landscapes. Pic from Rockingham, by @alexhydephoto 8/9

I, for one, wish Fly Orchids a happy #ValentinesDay and bid them good luck in their continuing attempts to solicit illicit intra-kingdom hook-ups. 9/9