Missouri Orchids – Platanthera ciliaris (orange-fringed orchid)

Platanthera ciliaris found at near peak bloom – Stoddard County, MO.

I have shared photos of Platanthera ciliaris taken last year. But it is such a special occasion to find these guys at peak bloom, I wanted to share these taken this past summer.

Closeup of a Platanthera ciliaris raceme.

Looking closely at the raceme featured above, you might notice another beauty pictured. Here lies a gorgeous orchard spider (Leucauge venusta) waiting for a likely pollinator or other insect perhaps looking for shelter within the blooms.

A closeup of an orchard spider (Leucauge venusta) moving among the blooms of Platanthera ciliaris.

Till next time.
-OZB