The First Discovery of the Pollinators and Visitors of Gymnadenia frivaldii (Orchidaceae) on the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract

Gymnadenia frivaldii (Orchidaceae) is a subendemic taxon of the Carpathians and the Balkans, growing mainly in fen habitats of the high mountain areas. Although it is known that this is a nectar-producing species which attracts insects, the pollinators of this species have not been known and sufficiently researched so far. The study was conducted in July 2023 in the Kopaonik Mountains (Serbia) and the Rila Mountains (Bulgaria). A total of five pollinators and three visiting insects were recorded. In the Kopaonik Mountains, representatives of the order Diptera (Empididae: Empis tessellata, E. dimidiata, E. discolor and Rhamphomyia magellensis) were pollinators, while in the Rila Mountains, the orchid pollinator was Coenonympha rhodopensis (ordo Lepidoptera). Additionally, one genus (Botanophila) and five species (ordo Diptera) were found for the fauna of Serbia for the first time during this study.