News Phew! Orchid perfume turns revolting By Susan Milius March 13, 2001 at 3:34 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Orchids that can smell so alluring that bees try to mate with them can also smell repulsive to the insects. A male bee mistakes an orchid for a female. Schiestl At first, a blossom of the European orchid Ophrys sphegodes gives off odors mimicking the scent of a female bee (SN: 7/3/99, p.