Orchid Pollinators
Pollinators of Threatened Orchids
The NSW Central Coast and Lake Macquarie region are areas of significant urban growth and are also home to three critically endangered orchids: Genoplesium insigne, Corunastylis sp. Charmhaven and Thelymitra adorata. These orchids are commonly referred to as the variable midge orchid, Charmhaven Orchid and Wyong sun orchid respectively. The majority of these populations are not found in protected areas, and little is known about the ecology of these orchids, including the pollinators that are expected to play an essential role in their survival.
Australia is home to a remarkably diverse orchid flora, with many species relying on complex pollination mechanisms and specialised pollinators for reproduction. . These processes are sensitive to environmental change which may reduce reproductive success and drive species into decline. Invertebrates Australia is excited to work alongside the NSW Saving Our Species program to investigate the ecology of these threatened orchids. This project aims to resolve the current knowledge gap regarding the pollination mechanisms of each species and ultimately ensure the viability of future translocation projects to conservation reserves. Identifying and describing the pollinators for these species will ensure the future planting sites have these pollinators present. The viability of the translocation of these orchids rests on understanding the pollinator-orchid relationship.
We first aim to identify the pollinators of each of the threatened orchids and provide a description of their behaviour, daily activity and seasonal abundance. We also aim to determine the attractive mechanisms each orchid uses to lure and potentially reward its pollinators. Finally, we seek to estimate the probable distribution of the pollinators within the known range of the orchids. Insights from this project will provide a key resource for future conservation efforts endeavouring to improve the success of these unique native orchids.
This project is funded by NSW Saving our Species
Wyong sun orchid Thelymitra adorata
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