Sometimes, this resemblance is a cute coincidence and other times, the resemblance brings added advantages.

Mimicry in plants is a clever evolutionary adaptation.

Some species have blooms that look like insects, birds or mammals toattract pollinatorsor keep plant-eating predators at bay.

Fly orchid (Orchis insectifera) close up

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One of the most distinctive and beneficial is the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera).

Its resemblance to these prolific pollinators helps to promote pollen transfer.

A close up of a Bee Orchid [Ophrys apifera] flower

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The orange and white blooms form the head portion, and the hard green spathe looks like the beak.

Another unique feature of this flower is that some people think it has a beer-like fragrance.

The distinctive fly-like shape attracts larger insect predators for pollination, as does its distinctive scent.

Close up of a flowering bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

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The blooms could pass for delicate birds attached by their beak to the flowerhead stalks.

These rare orchids are sometimes referred to as Dracula or vampire orchids because they prefer full or partial shade.

They look uncannily like colorful flying cockatoos.

Darlingtonia californica, also called the California Pitcher plant, Cobra lily or Cobra plant.

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The leaves on the trailing vines endearingly echo a pod of these aquatic mammals leaping out of the water.

Close up of the flower of the dove orchid

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Close up of the blooms of a fly orchid (Orchis insectifera)

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Close up of the bloom of a flying duck orchid

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Crotaria cunninghamii

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Close up of white guara flower blooms

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Dracula orchid (Dracula Simia), Rare Colombian Orchid in a Green Garden with Sunny Light

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Octopus stinkhorn fungus growing in mossy ground

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A close up of the parrot flower bloom (Impatiens psittacina)

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closeup of string of dolphins

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Snowy egret orchid outdoors

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Yulan magnolia bud close up

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