Nuances of floral mimicry in Queen of Sheba orchids

The results are partly consistent with mimicry towards the co-flowering tinsel lily for both orchids. Specific mimicry is strongly supported by a close resemblance involving multiple floral traits, and by bee behaviour associated with the buzz-pollinated model. However, this contrasts with the lack of consistent effects of tinsel lily abundance on orchid reproductive success. The findings further suggest that shared floral scent may reinforce visual similarity and highlight that scent may be important in food mimicry systems. Overall, the T. variegata complex offers an interesting system for studying the evolution of mimicry, in particular regarding the contribution of visual and olfactory signals in food mimicry systems.