Close-up of a Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera taken to reveal detail of the column and anther.

In this flower, the pollinia have not yet been released and the viscidia are clearly visible at the base of the caudicles (stalks that hold the pollinia). The viscidia play a key role in attaching pollinia to visiting insects so as to promote cross pollination but the Bee Orchid has evolved to specialize in self pollination.

The next photograph (MN0061) shows the pollinia after they are released.

Ref: MN0060

Location: Norfolk