A flower disguised as a bee and other July biodiversity

Did you know that a species of wild orchid has evolved part of its flower to mimic a bee, to attract male bees to try and mate with it? writes Brian Byrne. That way it makes sure it gets pollinated.

That's just one of the interesting facts in the July bulletin of the Kildare Community Biodiversity Project. Kilcullen is one of ten communities taking part in the project, which was paused during the coronavirus lockdown. But there's plenty of wildlife to see and conservation actions to carry out, authors Green Pine Consultants say.

The bulletin provides links to Swifts, which have been back in Ireland for some months now, as well as to other Irish bird species as well. There are also links to information on some invertebrate species — Shield Bugs and Ladybirds.

It's also the month to collect local wildflower seeds for use in community meadows, and the 'What to see now' section highlights some of the wildlife that can be seen in July.

The wildflower species of the month is the Bee Orchid (Ophyrs apifera) which is that canny flower that ensures the bees will pollinate it.

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