Photo of the Day
Wasps flying near an orchid
September 11, 2009
King Spider Orchid
This Month in Photo of the Day: National Geographic Magazine
Following a perfume trail to its source, male wasps in Australia ravish a king spider orchid. Sure the red "lip" is a mate, they rub against it; one will take away the plant's pollen. Every orchid has a petal modified for pollination, some theatrically so.
Caladenia pectinata; thynnid wasp
See more photographs from the September 2009 feature story "Love and Lies."
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
Environment
- What the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code redWhat the Air Quality Index measures—and what to do when it’s code red
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
History & Culture
- How the ‘Magna Carta of AIDS activism’ sparked a revolutionHow the ‘Magna Carta of AIDS activism’ sparked a revolution
- Meet the next generation of National Geographic explorersMeet the next generation of National Geographic explorers
- Colossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fateColossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fate
- The ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummiesThe ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummies
- The ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human originsThe ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human origins
- From police raids to pop culture: The history of modern dragFrom police raids to pop culture: The history of modern drag
Science
- What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?What is yerba mate—and is this caffeinated drink really good for you?
- Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.Is organic food healthier? That’s the wrong question.
- This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgeryThis new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
- What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.
Travel
- Where to stay in Manila: the Filipino capital's coolest hotelsWhere to stay in Manila: the Filipino capital's coolest hotels
- This Polynesian canoe is set to voyage 43,000 milesThis Polynesian canoe is set to voyage 43,000 miles
- The inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city breakThe inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city break
- Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route - Experience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy countryExperience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy country
