Orchid pollination 5: Flies visiting Epipogium aphyllum, the ghost orchid

Pollination of Epipogium aphyllum is a quite rare event in most parts of Europe. This orchid rarely sets seed. Its true pollinators are bumblebees. However, flies are quite interested in the flowers, above all in the calli on the lip. They keep on licking them and also probe the spur for nectar. Flies are too small to act as pollinators, but their way of entering the flower is identical to that of the bumblebees. This video gives you a good idea of the visiting behaviour of flies.