Ophrys sphegodes
Ophrys sphegodes (Orchidaceae) 087 23
Early spider-orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) is so-called because the dark, velvety lip of the flower is furry on the outside and smooth and hairless in the centre and resembles a spider. The sepals and petals are greenish-yellow, and sometimes marked with reddish-brown. In some specimens there is a narrow border of yellow-to-green around the margin of the lip. The number of individual flowers on each spike ranges from 2-18. Individual plants often vary and there are at least twelve recognised subspecies, each pollinated by different insects.
The plant is slender and can be grows much tall up to 70 cm. The speculum is H-shaped and is a main distinguishing feature of this orchid, although there are one or two subspecies where the mirror is sometimes absent
Ophrys sphegodes
Ophrys sphegodes (Orchidaceae) 087 23
Early spider-orchid (Ophrys sphegodes) is so-called because the dark, velvety lip of the flower is furry on the outside and smooth and hairless in the centre and resembles a spider. The sepals and petals are greenish-yellow, and sometimes marked with reddish-brown. In some specimens there is a narrow border of yellow-to-green around the margin of the lip. The number of individual flowers on each spike ranges from 2-18. Individual plants often vary and there are at least twelve recognised subspecies, each pollinated by different insects.
The plant is slender and can be grows much tall up to 70 cm. The speculum is H-shaped and is a main distinguishing feature of this orchid, although there are one or two subspecies where the mirror is sometimes absent