a rustic sphinx moth probing a ghost orchid bloom

Discovery reveals secrets about how ghost orchids reproduce

Incredible photos show multiple species pollinate the rare and enigmatic flower, which is good news for the endangered species.

The first-ever photo showing a pawpaw sphinx moth (Dolba hyloeus) probing and likely pollinating a ghost orchid bloom, in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. It was previously thought only one species pollinated these flowers: the giant sphinx moth.

Photograph by Carlton Ward, Jr.

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