"Tricksies we are, yessss tricksies!" Once the pollinator is down in the pouch. there is a very nice array of emergency directions--rows of bright red spots--- leading to the "Exit" at the back of the pouch and up, where there is a ladder of hairs that can provide a grip in the otherwise "slippery" and steep sided pouch (note that the ladder hairs, upon close inspection, can be seen to be aligned to encourage moving ever more toward the desired "exit") . Flying out proves impossible, with the narrow opening working wings will not fit through, and the inrolled lip just knocks it back. Climbing up the hair ladder, its back first passes the stigmatic surface, where, had it been hapless enough to have fallen in another armeniacum flower before, it may deposit that flower's pollinia. Next it has to squeeze past the pollinia, being forced back against it by the hairs at the exit. The intrepid insect, having found nothing of interest in the welcoming bright yellow flower may just happen to try the next yellow flower, ever hopeful in finding some kind of reward.....and inadvertantly create, through its accidental pollination, the start of the next generation of Paph armeniacum. Or, we can lure another pollinator, one that has learned to use tools and is also drawn to pretty flowers and a challenge. More views of Paph. armeniacum are here.
