Tongue Orchids’ Sexual Guile: Utterly Convincing

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/science/15wasp.html?ref=science ^ | July 15, 2008 | CAROL KAESUK YOON

[Soliton]

Sexually deceptive orchids, as biologists have long known, look and can even smell so much like a female insect that males will try to mate with the flower in a sometimes vigorous process that can result in pollination. But scientists now report that the tongue orchids of Australia are such thoroughly convincing mimics of female wasps that males not only try to mate with them, but they actually do mate with them — to the point of ejaculation.

[Soliton]

I guess this is why girls get orchids on prom night.

[WayneS]

So they’re saying male wasps are blind?

[ClearCase_guy]

Saaaaaaaaaaay — what’s better than orchids on your piano?

[Vaquero]

birds and bees man......

[Blueflag]

So who funded the study, and who watched closely enough to observe and confirm a ‘happy ending’ for the wasps????

Did either action help feed a starving child (to paraphrase the Leftist’s mantra)?

[Soliton]

So they’re saying male wasps are blind?

No, just horny

[Soliton]

So who funded the study, and who watched closely enough to observe and confirm a ‘happy ending’ for the wasps???? I don't know and I don't wanna know!

[WayneS]

When they have the “pollen goggles” on, all bets are off!

;^)

[Soliton]

When they have the “pollen goggles” on, all bets are off!

The interesting part of the article is that by satisfying male wasps, more male wasps are created and that means there are more polinators available to be satisfied. It is a cool natural selection feedback loop!

[CarrotAndStick]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEXHiBSTg8M

[MarkL]

This shouldn’t be any surprise for anyone who’s ever read one of the “Naughty Teacher” threads right here on FR!

And it’s not just limited to those wasps (the insects, I mean!)

Mark

[Air Force Brat]

If this orchid’s rockin’...

[SpinnerWebb]

what’s better than orchids on your piano?

tulips on your organ

[villagerjoel]

Now I know, and knowing’s half the battle...

[martin_fierro]

Yes. Well.

[woollyone]

show-stopper post by martin_fierro

[China Clipper]

I could swear I saw the little bugger smoking a cigarette after he had his way with that flower....

[Soliton]

Tempted?

[SunkenCiv]

[singing] Pistil-packin’ mama...