>Several masses of pollinia may be inadvertently carried on a bees body from flower to flower. 



Actually, I think that's the intent. Milkweed and orchid pollinate the same way - in terms of the complicated way pollination takes place. I often see bees hopelessly hanging entrapped in the pollinaria transfer. With one pollinium hanging on just one leg they seem to be able to avoid capture but with two on opposite legs, they can get trapped and die- never seen it happen with bubble bees.  I also see pollinium on drop boards.  Makes me think that the art of reading a drop board or a solid bottom board although an old school skill,  is something worth paying more attention to. Thanks for your post. 

http://www.rshah.org/blog/posts/pollen.pdf

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