The most complex form of pollination is the relation between the Ophrys orchids and their pollinating insects. These blossoms don't offer any nectar, instead they are imitating female wasps, bees or other insects. They copy even their smell and attract male insects who try to copulate with the blossoms and spread the pollinia. An interesting form of co-evolution.

Each Ophrys species is specialized to copy one insect species and it would be a disaster if the pollinating insect gets extinct. For this case, many Orchid species have developed the ability to pollinate themselves in addition to insect pollination.

Most orchids tend to create hybrids with other species or families. Many gardeners use this ability in culture and simulate the pollination with a soft brush.