Hugh Percival, Bird Orchid Fluorescence (NATURE WILDERNESS 2024)

Pterostylis barbata, commonly known as the Bird Orchid, is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia - it features an intricate morphology designed to lure a specific gnat species inside the flower, where pollination occurs. Under UV light, fluorescence in visible wavelengths illuminates the features of this specialised reproductive mechansim, and gives clues about the pollinator's perspective.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.