Ophrys sphegodes - Early Spider-orchid - (Orchidaceae)

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.

Early Spider-orchid from Gargano

Early Spider-orchid from the Gargano Peninsula in Italy

In Europe Ophrys sphegodes grows in garrigue and open grassland from March onwards, and can be found in far greater numbers than in the UK. In Crete and Gargano in Italy the Early Spider-orchid is much more plentiful, and the plants tend to be much taller and more robust in appearance depending on how heavily grazed the meadows are.

The specimen at the top of the page was photographed in Dorset in April, and the one at the bottom in the Gargano Peninsula area of southern Italy.

Watermarked preview (new window) of Photolibrary image OR161f_ophrys_speculum.jpg (Large file)...

Watermarked preview (new window) of Photolibrary image OR162f_ophrys_speculum.jpg (Large file)...