It's coming...#NationalPollinatorWeek starts Monday, June 20! Get ready to feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful and weirdest pollinators on the planet. It's one week of celebrating the unsung heroes behind our favorite flowers.(Photo: Jim Fowler)

#WhatWouldOrchidDo? Whenever an insect stops at a Fragrant Ladies' Tresses for a drink, it leaves with clumps of yellow pollen (called "pollinia") wedged between its eyes. Just a little something to help ensure the survival of the species. Don't forget to vote ‪for orchids in the Smithsonian Showdown...every day!

Orchids can be tricky, but they also can be kind. 

#WhatWouldOrchidsDo? Platanthera psycodes, one of the most fragrant of North America's orchids, rewards insects drawn by its color and scent with a tasty drink, no matter the time of day (or night). Vote orchids in the Smithsonian Showdown! 

‪#‎WhatWouldOrchidDo‬? Have happy hour at their local nectary!

Vote for orchids in the Smithsonian Showdown! 

These orchids are pollinated at night. Vote for orchids in the Smithsonian Showdown if you think you're a goth moth.

Day 2 of National Pollinator Week!

Bats are pollinators too. They pollinate many cacti species, including the saguaro flowers below.

Photo used under Creative Commons licenses from Dan Hiris, Ehiris at en.wikipedia.

It’s the first day of National Pollinator Week!

Pollinators, like butterflies, move pollen from male flower parts to female flower parts to complete fertilization.

http://northamericanorchidcenter.org/featured-orchids-and-insects/

Photo credit to Jim Fowler.