Ophrys splendida is one of the newly described species and, as with many very localized southern species, the taxon is debated. It is sometimes regarded as Ophrys arachnitiformis or Ophrys exaltata, with a supposedly later flowering period, but since it is not observed exactly in the same places, it is difficult to give much credit to this claim.

The sepals and petals are white to pink, with a medium- to large-sized, elongated labellum. The lateral petals are white or pink in the center (generally concolorous with the sepals) and bordered with yellow or green along the wavy edges.

As is sometimes the case, much depends on conviction rather than solid scientific evidence, so one must remain cautious. For my part, I provide this description and these observations with due reserve, in the hope of a settled debate and a precise diagnosis in the future.