Angraecum sesquipedale
Quick Summary
Angraecum sesquipedale is a unique orchid species known for its exceptionally long nectar spur. This characteristic led Charles Darwin to predict the existence of a moth with a similarly long proboscis capable of pollinating it. This prediction was later confirmed with the discovery of the hawk moth, Xanthopan morganii, which possesses a proboscis of approximately 25 centimeters, perfectly suited to reach the nectar deep within the orchid's spur. This remarkable example highlights the intricate co-evolutionary relationships between plants and their pollinators.12
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hawk moth…exclusively pollinates the Madagascar orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. The proboscis of this hawk moth is long enough to reach the nectar receptacle of the orchid, which is between 20 and 35 cm (8 and 14 inches) in length.
Read More…exclusively pollinates the Madagascar orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. The proboscis of this hawk moth is long enough to reach the nectar receptacle of the orchid, which is between 20 and 35 cm (8 and 14 inches) in length.
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orchidMoth and butterfly pollination…the pollinator of the orchid Angraecum sesquipedale, since a moth would need a long tongue to reach the nectar hidden in the very long nectary at the base of the lip. Such a moth has been found and has been observed pollinating the flowers of this amazing orchid.
Read More…the pollinator of the orchid Angraecum sesquipedale, since a moth would need a long tongue to reach the nectar hidden in the very long nectary at the base of the lip. Such a moth has been found and has been observed pollinating the flowers of this amazing orchid.
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pollinationEvolution of insect pollinationFor example, a Madagascar orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale, with a nectar receptacle 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 inches) long, depends for its pollination exclusively on the local race of a hawk moth, Xanthopan morganii, which has a proboscis of 22.5 cm (9 inches). Interestingly enough, the existence of the…
Read MoreFor example, a Madagascar orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale, with a nectar receptacle 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 inches) long, depends for its pollination exclusively on the local race of a hawk moth, Xanthopan morganii, which has a proboscis of 22.5 cm (9 inches). Interestingly enough, the existence of the…
Read More