HOME | DD
AdamsWife — Flying Duck Orchid
Published: 2006-10-11 09:21:42 +0000 UTC; Views: 4534; Favourites: 84; Downloads: 85
Redirect to original
Description
Paracaleana nigrita - Flying Duck OrchidSome of my watchers will have already seen this orchid, taken by husband. I'm thrilled to have photographed one myself.
The native flora in Western Australia is very special and I find that this orchid is the most unlower-like species.
Like the King-in-his-carriage, it is pollinated by the male Thynnid wasps, who try's to mate with the labellum, that emits a odour similar to the female wasp. As he lands on the labellum, the aroused visitor is flipped over into the area where the pollen is.
Related content
Comments: 108
You've been Featured Here. Hope u enjoy, fave the article and perhaps leave a comment. dont forget to fave it, that way we get more exposure.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
That is truly fantastic. I agree, it seems the mimicry and bizarre shape is greatl expressed among the terrestrial orchid species
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Thank you very much. These are so small, so it's a great pleasure when you finally find one.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I bet it is. And it's my pleasure as well m'deer
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Cool looking orchid, never seen anything like this. Great shot
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you. I still find them amazing flowers each time a find one
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Thank you, it's one of my favourite flowers.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you 
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Thank you very much for your comment and adding this to your favourites. I appreciate both
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
I've been to the local (San Diego) orchid society show for many years, and have never seen this orchid. A wonderful example of the variety of the species.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
There certainly is a variety and we in Western Australia are so fortunate to have so many different species. It has kept my husband busy for many years, trying to find them all
Thank you very much for your comment and 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Never a problem for interesting and excellent work.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I just came back for another full view because this shot is so compelling! Wow now I am off to the rest of your gallery, already somewhat intrigued!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Here in far Northern Queensland the orchid situtation is pretty cool too. My son visits the north once per year with the president of the Native orchid Society and some of his forerunners. They rely on my boy's zeal, youth and daring to get those hard to obtain pics of the orchids growing in their natural states. This means he has to hand out over cliff faces on ropes, scale huge trees and wade through somerather dicey waterways. Some of his orchid photographs appear in his site and are most exemplary. He is a generally brilliant all round photographer who ihas been with DA only for about 6 months. If you have the time and the inclination his site is; http;//urukhaiboy.deviant.com/
I look forward eagerly to your next pics. What happened about the birds at Esperanze?
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Both Jim and I belong to the WA Native orchid Society, but we don't get to go to meetings since we moved to the country. Jim does volunteer work for CALM in the rare flora program as we have several rare and endangered orchids in our area. He goes looking for new colonies each year and keeping count of the known ones. Thankfully he doesn't have to climb trees or hang over cliffs
I am still waiting to hear about the Esperance birds. I will let you know when I hear anything.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
I come late to this pic but must say it is one of the best i have ever ever seen full brilliant
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for adding this to your favourites.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
This is very nice, Eve! You should make prints available ...
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you
I once asked my dA friends whether they thought having a print account was worthwhile and not one person who answered thought it was worth it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Eve, now we can 'Make prints' even if we are not premium members. 
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much but at the moment I can't get involved with anything else as I have my Mum to care for now and helping her takes a big chunk out of my day.
I don't really understand how it all works, but I will look into it at a later date.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wow! First of all, I love how the orchird does look alot like a flying duck! 
=KsenKAT
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you so much for this absolutly wonderful comment and for adding this to your favourites. I appreciate both
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
great shot... W.A has some beautiful orchids..so I am finding out
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you. Unfortunetly having very low rain fall this past winter has meant that the orchids are not doing so well this year. My husband usually does guided walks through our local bush, but he cancelled all except for the local school children who wanted to see the orchid that is their school emblem.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
what a great name for this one! i love the colors and shapes in the shot.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
It never ceases to amaze me every time I see it.
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
| Next =>