Ophrys biscutella - Spectacled Ophrys - (Orchidaceae)

This orchid forms part of the Ophrys argolica group and is sometimes referred to as Ophrys argolica ssp. biscutella. Its scientific name refers to the 'mirror' on the lip which is in two parts or 'spots' that are sometimes joined in the middle resembling a pair of glasses - hence the English common name of Spectacled ophrys. Identification is tricky since many other ophrys species, including Ophrys bertolonii, can have two shields on their lips so it is advisable to look for some of the other features (described below) in order to have some degree of optimism that you have got it right!

Ophrys biscutella

Known only from Italy, the distribution of this orchid is curious since it shows a preference for more than one kind of habitat. We found it not only in open grassland and rocky places but also on the edge of woodland. Many of the ophrys species to be found in Gargano, in southern Italy, have similar markings on the lip, but the lip of O. biscutella is a universal dark brown and velvety, resembling that of O. fuciflora rather than other species that have paler margins - O. tenthredinifera, for instance.

Ophrys biscutella closeup

This specimens on this page were photographed close to Monte Sant'Angelo (top) and Foresta Umbra (bottom) on the Gargano Peninsula in Italy in mid April.