This beautiful orchid, the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid, has become a trap for European skipper butterflies. I had the good fortune today while visiting the Purdon Fen near Lanark, to bump into Peter and Judy, butterfly experts, who pointed out this phenomenon which they, along with a couple of other people, have been studying for a few years, and writing a paper on. The poor skippers are attracted to the orchid and climb in seeking nectar (of which there is none) and cannot climb out, so they remain entombed. Very sad and depressing.
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