Wasp orchids are terrestrial herbs which grow in colonies of genetically identical plants.

[7] Male wasps are attracted by wind-borne pheromones released by glands on the sepals of the flowers.

They then attempt to lift and fly away with the dummy female but this action brings them into contact with the column.

If the insect has pollinia from another orchid on its back, the contained pollen will attach to the sticky stigma.

Alternatively, if there are no pollinia on its back, the insect may move backward, receive a coat of glue from the flower's rostellum, then push open the anther and removing any pollinia present, which adhere to the insect's thorax.