Ophrys sphegodes - Early Spider Orchid
This orchid is possibly the earliest to appear in the
UK - only the Early-purple orchid (Orchis mascula)
competes. Presently, the UK is the Early Spider Orchid's
most northerly territory and only time and climate change
will tell if it continues to survive and extend its
presence there.
The rounded and brown lip shows that Ophrys
sphegodes is clearly a bee-type orchid although the
sepals are green and the speculum lacks the yellow
markings of the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). In Europe it
favours the garrigue and open grassland and can be found
from March onwards. The Southern limit of this orchid is
probably the Central Mediterranean zone.
The specimen above was photographed in Dorset in
April.
Wild Orchids in Wales
Dozens of wild orchid are featured in the First Nature Guide to
Locating and Identifying Wild Orchids in Wales
Wild Orchids in The Burren
Ireland's world-famous limestone pavement habitat
in County Clare is home to nearly every wild orchid found in Ireland.
A full colour guide to the Burren's orchids is now available
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