Plant species

fly orchid Ophrys insectifera

Orchidaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Orchis insectiferaOphrys muscifera

Description

A slender tuberous orchid with a lax spike of distinctive insect-like flowers. The sepals are green, the petals narrow and dark, and the velvety brown three-lobed lip bears a dull bluish-grey central mark.

Plant traits

Growth form

orchid

Life cycle

perennial

Height

15–50 cm

Typical season

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

dry grasslands · rocky habitats · open woodland · forest

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic · moist

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The flower uses sexual deception, mimicking the appearance and pheromone signals of female wasps; males attempt to mate with it and thereby transfer the pollinia.