[Pollinator] Pollination by Microdiptera

[Peter Bernhardt]

On a more serious note, I belong to a consortium of scientists completing research on the pollination of Australian midge orchids (Corunastylis; synonym Prasophyllum).  Here is the earliest paper on the topic (Garnet, 1940).  The author worked on midge orchid species he transplanted to pots and these flowers attracted native flies.  The research of Colin Bower, and his associates and our own consortium confirms pollination by chloropids (2 - 2.5 mm in length) in five more species.  One must really appreciate Garnet's contribution when you realize he had to make precise pen and ink illustrations in an era before modern macro-lenses. Pollination by chloropids has been documented in other genera in other families including North American mistletoes and tropical American birthworts.  Pollination research appeared frequently in "The Victorian Naturalist" from the 1920's through the 1950's and interested people should check out the work of Edith Coleman and Tarlton Rayment.  This was an Australian journal for interested amateurs who belonged to a club that met in Melbourne.


The taxonomy of these 50 orchid species is confusing.  They were first place in the genus Prasophyllum then moved to Genoplesium.  Segregation into their own genus, Corunastylis, occurred less than 15 years go and remains controversial but orchidologists are unusually argumentative.


Peter
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