Résultats de recherche

Découvrez Ophrys fuciflora Ophrys frelon sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys druentica. Ophrys de la Durance. Durance orchid. (P. Delforge & Viglione) Ophrys druentica was only described in 2006. This shows that it is not one of the absolutely essential species among the taxa related to Ophrys fuciflora. It is difficult to find fundamental differences with the type species. Ophrys × souchei or Ophrys aegertica, which are very similar and also described more recently (in 2012 and 1996 respectively), belong to this group of regional species that do not revolutionize taxonomy, neither through morphology, phenology, nor flowering period. The same goes for micro-populations (<200 individuals) such as those of Ophrys montis-aviarii (and likewise for Ophrys demangei or Ophrys linearis, considered late-flowering to justify their existence, though some orchid enthusiasts are surprised and proud to find them precociously during field trips...!!). Thus, everything overlaps, and even the authors mention possible hybrids... which complicates identification (sic). Are we going mad with Ophrys fuciflora? Kew Garden currently lists Ophrys druentica only as a synonym of Ophrys fuciflora. The species is therefore presented here to report the specimens encountered in the Var under the local name. Almost all of the photographs shown below (May 8 and 9) were taken on a site of 300 to 500 m² and illustrate the diversity of the species within a colony. Often, identifications are made by “sheep-like behavior,” and species are recognized according to the place and date of the shot rather than what they truly are. Swap the photos while declaring another location and date, and no one would detect the trick...

Ophrys lupercalis. Ophrys des lupercales. Dark bee orchid. Ophrys from the south and south west of France, this Ophrys poses little problem of identification. It is part of Pseudophrys like Ophrys lutea. The labellum is relatively elongated, furrowed more or less deeply in its central part, devoid of humps. What is not visible lies in its pollination by specific insects (Hymenoptera generally) which position themselves with their abdomen turned towards the reproductive organs, which is the opposite of other Ophrys. Despite this peculiarity, hybrids are possible with Ophrys. The determination of the species could turn out to be complex because the authors do not agree sometimes regrouping certain taxa sometimes multiplying the species. You will therefore sometimes find a single species Ophrys fusca (Ophrys brown) with synonym Ophrys sulcata, or the 2 very distinct species. I have therefore attempted here to present views respecting the most striking distinctive elements of determination. Click on the photos to enlarge

Découvrez Ophrys arachnitiformis Ophrys en forme d'araignée sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys aurelia . Ophrys d'Aurélien. Bertoloni's bee orchid. (P. Delforge) Ophrys aurelia is very similar to Ophrys bertolonii , which is found in Italy where it was originally described. In France, this taxon is recognized as a local subspecies by some authors, or not at all by Kew Gardens. Its distribution area is therefore very variable. The species can be considered as a variety or a regional subspecies. There is a variety with smaller flowers: Ophrys saratoi . The plant is relatively pauciflorous, with flowers whose labellum is very dark brown to almost black, showing a “horse-saddle” curvature. A shiny macula starting from the middle of the labellum and occupying its lower part, along with very brightly colored petals and sepals, are remarkable characteristics. Click on the photos to enlarge

Découvrez Ophrys scolopax Ophrys becasse sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys philippi. Ophrys de Philippe. Philippe's ophrys. (Grenier) The description of Philippe's Ophrys dates back to 1859, but it was initially considered a hybrid of Ophrys scolopax x Ophrys aranifera. The species is rare and was overshadowed for many years before being "rediscovered" by Pierre-Michel Blais, the current cartographer of the Var. It is apparently the rarest endemic ophrys in France, with only a handful of locations known, solely in the southern part of the Var department. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys araneola. Ophrys petite araignée. Early spider orchid. It is not always recognized that Ophrys araneola is a species in its own right. It may therefore be a subspecies of Ophrys aranifera (or Ophrys sphegodes ) according to some authors or a simple variety. A synonym refers to Ophrys litigiosa . Open a guide and try to identify it on 1 view and it's a guaranteed nightmare. Go to the Internet and Google and you'll find so many views that you won't know what you're dealing with either! We must therefore accept the fact that within the Ophrys there is an Aranifera/sphegodes section and affiliated species. The differences will be morphological (smaller flowers, sepals larger or smaller than the labellum, colours of the petals and sepals, etc.), calendar-related (early or late flowering) and regional. Prepare yourself well because the variations are such and the hybridizations so numerous that a doubt will often remain. Only a few rare individuals relate to the type and the others will have to remain prudently within the section. Araneola is therefore reputed to be earlier in flowering date than Aranifera (in regions where both can be found) and the two often coexist and it is then just a question of distribution, more araneola at the beginning of the season and more aranifera at the end of the season. The flowers are a little smaller: generally the labellum seems tiny surrounded by long petals and sepals (petals greener and darker than the sepals). It is often rounder and edged with yellow (aranifera is elongated and also edged with yellow but this part being folded most of the time, it is not obvious). The labellum is, according to some authors, slightly rounded, others do not report anything. The basal field is, like Ophrys aranifera, concolorous with the labellum. Still among the oddities, there is a subspecies (or species) Ophrys viriscens which is considered according to the authors (see guides) to be more slender than Ophrys araneola or on the contrary more robust!?? Who to believe? From my own observations in Aveyron, I can conclude, with great humility, that apart from very marked individuals with small flowers, small labellum often round and sepals generally tending towards white or pinkish white, many other Ophrys encountered in the field are difficult to classify because they are probably hybridized. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys fuciflora. Ophrys frelon. Late spider orchid. (F.W. Schmidt) The hornet or bumblebee Ophrys is a small Ophrys in size (often 10–20 cm, sometimes up to 30 cm and exceptionally 40 cm). The habit is stocky, and the flowers are generally few in number (from 2 to 10). The labellum has a characteristic trapezoidal shape, covered with hair and variable markings. One should note the two atrophied petals, generally concolorous (pink) with the sepals behind them. Petals and sepals may be white but are always concolorous. The lateral sepals are sometimes “pointed” but may also be very rounded, so this is not a key feature for identification. The sepals are less extended than in the bee Ophrys, but there is little risk of confusion due to the overall appearance of the flower. Also note the very conspicuous yellow appendage at the tip of the labellum. This Ophrys is more easily seen in eastern France, but it is present in other French departments (a little more than half of them). In the Alps, it is found below 1400 m. It develops in habitats ranging from fresh to dry soils. It can be found on sufficiently drained embankments or roadside verges in particular, in fallow land, and sometimes in very shaded meadows. Ophrys fuciflora is also an “umbrella” species for many regional taxa for which it is difficult to recognise differences between them or with the type species. It shows variations in the shape, colour, or markings of its flowers that overlap with those of other regional names. There are also transitional forms toward Ophrys scolopax within populations, with smaller, oval labella.

Découvrez Ophrys arachnitiformis Ophrys en forme d'araignée sur Orchidée-photo.com Ophrys splendida . Ophrys splendide. Brilliant orchid. Gölz & H. R. Reinhard 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. Click on the photos to enlarge

Orchidee-photo.com : Site personnel de photographie des orchidées sauvages françaises et européennes. Découvrez Orchidées, Orchis, Ophrys, Epipactis, Sabot de Venus, Cephalanthère, Plantanthère. Site et photographies par Pascal Decologne. 5I8A5247 Décrivez votre image. Non-commercial site: you will never be asked for your personal details or to make any payment on this site. Photos of wild native orchids Discover Orchids from France and Europe by Pascal Decologne. Orchidee-photo.com France : Alpes maritimes, Var, Aude, Aveyron, Lozère, Jura, Queyras, Savoie, Essonne, Seine & Marne, Yvelines, Côte d'Or, Yonne. Sardinia (Italy) Gargano (Italy) Rhodes (Greece) Quick Access: Basics of Orchids Get free high definition files on demand: Order form . Orchids of France These orchids are present in France and for the vast majority in other European countries. There are no species of orchids endemic to France, but there are sometimes regional varieties that can be elevated to the rank of subspecies ( Ophrys aymoninii for example). Clic on pictures below to see more. Cypripedium calceolus. Sabot de Venus. Lady's slipper. Updated 07/2025 Serapias neglecta. Serapias négligé. Scarse serapias. Updated 06/2025 Anacamptis morio. Orchis bouffon. Green winged orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis papilionacea. Orchis papillon. Pink butterfly orchid. Updated 08/2023 Orchis simia. Orchis singe. Monkey orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis provincialis. Orchis de Provence. Provence orchid. Updated 09/2023 Traunsteinera globosa. Orchis globuleux. Globe orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia corneliana. Nigritelle rose/de Cornelia. Cornelia's gymnadenia. Updated 08/2025 Chamorchis alpina. Orchis nain des Alpes. Alpine dwarf orchid. Updated 07/2025 Epipactis atrorubens. Epipactis pourpre. Dark red helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis microphylla. Epipactis à petites feuilles. Small leaved helleborine. Updated 10/2023. Neotinea tridentata. Orchis tridenté. Three toothed orchid. Updated 08/2024. Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Orchis de Fuchs. Common spotted orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza majalis. Orchis de Mai. Broad leaved marsh orchid. Updated 08/2025 Cephalanthera longifolia. Cephalanthère à longues feuilles. Sword leaved helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys apifera. Ophrys abeille. Bee orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys aveyronensis. Ophrys de l'Aveyron. Aveyron orchid. Updated 02/2024. Ophrys passionis/caloptera. Ophrys de la passion. Passion flower orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys splendida. Ophrys splendide. Brilliant orchid. Updated 08/2025. Ophrys fusca. Ophrys brun. Dark bee orchid. Updated 03/2024 Ophrys speculum. Ophrys miroir. Mirror orchid. Updated December 2023 Serapias lingua. Serapias en langue. Tongue orchid. Updated 08/2023 Serapias parviflora. Serapias à petites fleurs. Small flower tongue orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis longicornu. Orchis à long éperon. Long spurred orchid. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis pyramidalis. Orchis pyramidal. Pyramidal orchid. Updated 08/2023 Orchis mascula. Orchis mâle. Male orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis anthropophora. Orchis homme pendu. Man orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia conopsea. Orchis moucheron. Fragrant orchid. Updated 09/2023 Platanthera chlorantha. Platanthère verte. Greater butterfly orchid. Updated 09/2023 Coeloglossum viride. Orchis grenouille. Frog orchid. Updated 08/2024 Epipactis helleborine. Epipactis à larges feuilles. Broad leaved helleborine. Updated 08/2024. Epipactis palustris. Epipactis des marais. Marsh helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Neotinea maculata. Orchis intact. Dense flowered orchid. Updated 10/2023. Dactylorhiza maculata. Orchis maculé/tacheté. Heath spotted orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza praetermissa. Orchis négligé. Southern marsh orchid. Updated 08/2025 Cephalanthera damasonium. Cephalanthère blanche. Large white helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys scolopax. Ophrys bécasse. Woodcock orchid. Updated 12/2023 Ophrys sphegodes/aranifera. Ophrys araignée. Early spider orchid. Updated 01/2024 Ophrys massiliensis. Ophrys de Marseille. Marseille orchid. Updated 12/2023 Ophrys aurelia. Ophrys d'Aurélien. Bertoloni's bee orchid. Updated 08/2025. Pseudophrys non déterminés Ophrys bombyliflora. Ophrys bombyx. Bumble bee orchid. Updated December 2023 Serapias vomeracea. Serapias à labelle allongé. Long lipped serapias. Updated 06/2025 Spiranthes spiralis. Spiranthe d'automne. Autumn lady's tresses. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis laxiflora. Orchis à fleurs lâches. Loose-flowered orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis purpurea. Orchis pourpre. Purple orchid. Updated 09/2023. Orchis spitzelii. Orchis de Spitzel. Spitzel male orchid. Updated 07/2025 Himantoglossum hircinum. Orchis bouc. Lizard orchid. Updated 09/2023 Gymnadenia odoratissima. Orchis très odorant. Short spurred fragrant orchid. Updated 09/2023 Platanthera bifolia. Platanthère à deux feuilles. Lesser butterfly orchid. Updated 09/2023 Neottia ovata. Listère ovale. Common twayblade. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis muelleri. Epipactis de Müller. Mueller's helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis purpurata. Epipactis pourpre . Violet helleborine. Updated 08/2025. Neotinea ustulata. Orchis brûlé. Burnt orchid. Updated 08/2025 Dactylorhiza elata. Orchis élevé. Robust marsh orchid. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza sambucina. Orchis sureau. Elder flowered orchid. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys fuciflora. Ophrys frelon. Late spider orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys philippi. Ophrys de Philippe. Philippe's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys incubacea. Ophrys noir. Dark spider orchid. Updated 01/2024. Ophrys araneola. Ophrys petite araignée. Early spider orchid. Updated 08/2024 Ophrys lutea. Ophrys jaune. Yellow bee orchid. Updated 01/2024 Ophrys insectifera. Ophrys mouche. Fly orchid. Updated 12/2023 Serapias cordigera . Serapias en coeur. Heart flowered serapias. Updated 06/2025 Goodyera repens. Goodyère rampante. Creeping lady's tresses. Updated 08/2023 Anacamptis coriophora fragrans. Orchis parfumé. Bug orchid. Updated 08/2025 Orchis militaris. Orchis militaire. Military orchid. Updated 09/2023 Orchis olbiensis. Orchis d'Hyères. Olbia orchis. Updated 08/2025 Himantoglossum robertianum. Barlie de Robert. Giant orchid. Updated 08/2025 Gymnadenia rhellicani. Orchis vanille. Black vanilla orchid. Updated 09/2023 Pseudorchis albida. Orchis miel. Small white orchid. Updated 10/2023 Neottia nidus-avis. Neottie nid d'oiseau. Bird's nest orchid. Updated 10/2023 Epipactis distans. Epipactis à feuilles distantes. Distant helleborine. Updated 08/2025. Neotinea lactea. Orchis lacté. Milky orchid. Updated 10/2023 Limodorum abortivum. Limodore à feuilles avortées. Violet limodore. Updated 10/2023 Dactylorhiza incarnata. Orchis incarnat. Early marsh orchid. Updated 10/2023 Cephalanthera rubra. Cephalanthère rouge. Red helleborine. Updated 10/2023 Ophrys druentica. Ophrys de la Durance. Durance orchid. Updated 08/2025 Ophrys tenthredinifera. Ophrys guêpe. Sawfly orchid. Updated 02/2024 Ophrys provincialis. Ophrys de Provence. Provence bee orchid Updated 06/2025. Ophrys arachnitiformis. Ophrys en forme d'araignée. False spider orchid. Updated 08/2024. Ophrys lupercalis. Ophrys des lupercales. Dark bee orchid. Ophrys aymoninii. Ophrys d'Aymonin. Fly orchid. Updated December 2023. Orchids of Sardinia Presentation of some endemic species of Sardinia (or mainly present on the island and rarely elsewhere). Click on pictures to access the gallery Ophrys annae. Ophrys d'Anne. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. annae . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys exaltata morisii. Ophrys de Moris. Ophrys x arachnitiformis . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys chestermanii. Ophrys de Chesterman. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. chestermanii . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys fusca iricolor subsp. eleonorae. Ophrys d'Eleonore . Updated 09/2024 Ophrys normanii. Ophrys de Norman. Ophrys tenthredinifera subsp. normanii . Updated 09/2024 Orchis ichnusae. Orchis de Sardaigne. Ophrys mascula subsp. ichnusae . Updated 09/2024 Orchids from Monte Gargano (Pouilles, It) Presentation of some typical species of Monte Gargano. (and not common with the French species presented above). Located in southern Italy, in the Puglia region, at the height of Naples, Monte Gargano is a small massif with mainly limestone soil that juts out into the Adriatic Sea. The lower part to the west attached to the Italian boot is a cultivated plain and the massif to the east is a land of olive trees and semi-dense forest. Its highest point is at 1050 meters (Monte Calvo - Bald Mountain), which installs a relative layering of vegetation from sea level to the summit plateaus and thus allows to observe a great diversity of orchids. The deciduous forest shelters only a few orchids, it will therefore be necessary to look for them on the edges or on the limestone plateaus often particularly bare. The little plant substrate on certain karst limestone slabs does not prevent the development of species of which some abound ( Anacamptis morio and papilionacea in particular). Over a full year, between 70 and 80 species and subspecies of orchids can be observed. Click on the photos to access the orchid species galleries. Orchis quadripunctata. Orchis à 4 points. Four spotted orchid. Updated 09/2024 Dactylorhiza romana. Orchis de Rome. Roman orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys apulica. Ophrys des Pouilles. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. apulica. Updated 09/2024 Orchis italica. Orchis d'Italie. Naked man orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys bertolonii-bertoloniiformis. Ophrys de Bertoloni. Bertoloni's bee orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys parvimaculata. Ophrys à petite macule. Ophrys fuciflora subsp. parvimaculata. Updated 09/2024 Orchis pauciflora. Orchis pauciflore. Sparse flowered orchid. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys biscutella. Ophrys à 2 losanges. Small-mirror ophrys. Updated 09/2024 Ophrys garganica. Ophrys du Gargano. Ophrys sphegodes subsp. passionis . Mise à jour 09/2024 Ophrys promontorii. Promontory Ophrys. Ophrys lunulata subsp. promontorii . Updated 09/2024 Orchids of Rhodes (Greece) Presentation of some typical species from the island of Rhodes (and not shared with the French species presented above). 18 original species to discover Rhodes is a medium-sized Greek island located far from mainland Greece but close to the Turkish coast. It is about 80 km long and up to 40 km wide, with a highest point at 1200 m (Mount Attavyros). The biotopes are relatively varied depending on altitude. Mount Profitis Ilias, near Mount Attavyros, is wooded all the way to the top, while the latter, being higher, is completely barren from around 700 meters of elevation. These two adjoining massifs trap clouds, and the vegetation is denser and greener than in the rest of the island, which experiences frequent wildfires, especially in the central and southern parts. Rhodes is renowned for its orchids, some of which are also found in Crete or Turkey. However, one should not expect high densities outside a few rare spots. During the period I visited (early April), I encountered other species not listed below because they are common in France and do not exhibit island-specific characteristics. Some photos taken on-site will therefore be included in the iconography of French species. These species are visible, sometimes relatively abundant, and in full bloom (unless otherwise noted): Anacamptis pyramidalis (beginning of flowering), Anacamptis coriophora fragrans (beginning of flowering), Anacamptis laxiflora, Anacamptis papilionacea, Anacamptis picta, Limodorum abortivum (not flowering), Orchis provincialis, Orchis italica, Himantoglossum robertianum (end of flowering), Neotinea maculata, Neotinea lactea, Ophrys bombyliflora, Ophrys speculum. Ophrys phryganae and Ophrys sicula can also be found, though they are sometimes difficult to distinguish and are occasionally treated as Ophrys lutea, which is well known elsewhere. With GPS coordinates that eliminate the need for prospecting, one could find around forty species and subspecies during this period. That wasn't my case, but I was able to benefit from information shared by other orchid enthusiasts I met locally to complement my research. I can provide GPS data for a few representative spots I personally observed, for future visitors. Given potential biotope changes (construction, roadwork, fires), it's best to rely on recent data. These coordinates date from April 2025. You can also consult recent 2024 and 2025 field reports from the UK-based tour operator Mariposa. No GPS points, but location indications: 👉 https://www.mariposanature.com/destinations/greece In early April, the climate is pleasant, with temperatures not exceeding 25°C and often much lower (especially at night! — be sure to check if your accommodation has auxiliary heating). I personally experienced many rainy days. Luckily or not, it shows in the photos… In the island’s interior, there are very few gas stations and hardly any places to eat outside the summer season. Even though distances are never very long, it's important to plan ahead. The road network is fairly well maintained, and parking is usually easy without obstructing traffic, as the roads are wide enough. Locals themselves don't hesitate to park partly on the road when stopping. Guides on the orchids of Rhodes are not very up to date and are unavailable new (Orchids Crete & Dodecanese by H. & G. Kretzschmar, The Orchids of Crete and Rhodes by C.A.J. Kreutz). You will therefore need to rely on more general guides (see the “Guides” tab on this site): 👉 https://www.orchidee-photo.com/guides-livres Click on pictures to access the gallery Anacamptis sancta. Orchis saint. Holy orchid. Updated 06/2025 Serapias orientalis. Serapias oriental. Eastern serapias. Updated 06/2025 Serapias bergonii. Serapias de Bergon. Bergoni's serapias. Updated 06/2025 Orchis anatolica. Orchis d'Anatolie. Anatolian orchid. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys cretica ssp beloniae. Ophrys de Belon. Belon's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys ferrum equinum. Ophrys fer à cheval. Horseshoe ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys mammosa. Ophrys à mamelles. Breasted ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys korae. Ophrys de Coré. Core's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys reinholdii. Ophrys de Reinhold. Reinhold's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys regis ferdinandii. Ophrys du Roi Ferdinand. King Ferdinand's ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys omegaifera. Ophrys omega. Omega ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys attaviria. Ophrys attavyros. Attavyros ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys rhodia. Ophrys de Rhodes. Rhodian ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys umbilicata. Ophrys ombilic. Umbilical ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys episcopalis. Ophrys episcopal. Large flowered bee ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys heterochila. Ophrys à labelle différent. Various lips ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys oestrifera. Ophrys taon. Horned bee orchis. Updated 06/2025 Ophrys dodekanensis. Ophrys du Dodecanèse . Dodecanese ophrys. Updated 06/2025 Free orchid illustration photos : The photographs presented are not downloadable but as they are not for sale either, I can provide files on request and free of charge. Tell me the desired views, the required definition and the use you wish to make of them beforehand. Indicate the desired reference in the contact form. Ex: OP/AP 01 (Ophrys apifera 01) which appears in the photo caption.

Ophrys aveyronensis. Ophrys de l'Aveyron The Aveyron Ophrys is a "young" species in the sense that although it has existed for a long time, it has only been described recently. Endemic to Aveyron even if a species in Spain could be related to it (or vice versa?). Its characteristics are close to Ophrys sphegodes/aranifera (spider orchid) but its colors stand out within the family and genetically it would also have a relationship with Ophrys scolopax. Medium-sized but rather solid, it is easily noticed from mid-May to mid-June generally. Petals and sepals are pink (the petals a little darker) but its labellum presents infinite variations which take up the codes of the spider orchids (macules in the shape of H or X) but also speckled designs which make it original. It will of course be found in Aveyron, the north of Herault and sometimes Lozère. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys lutea. Ophrys jaune. Yellow bee orchid Ophrys from the Mediterranean region, this Ophrys poses few identification problems due to its labellum largely edged with yellow. Petals and sepals are also a pronounced yellow, washed with green most often. In addition, it offers little variability. It is found in the south and southwest of France (1 subspecies in Corsica) on fairly dry land: wasteland, scrubland mainly. Measuring from 15 to 30 cm, the stem bears a few flowers which bloom from the end of March to the beginning of June depending on the region. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys sulcata. Ophrys sillonné. Syn: Ophrys funerea, Ophrys lupercalis, Ophrys sulcata , Ophrys from the south and southwest of France, this Ophrys poses in theory few identification problems. It is part of the Pseudophrys like the Ophrys lutea. The labellum is relatively elongated, furrowed more or less deeply in its central part, devoid of humps . What is not visible is its pollination by specific insects (usually hymenoptera) which position themselves with their abdomen facing the reproductive organs, which is the opposite of other Ophrys. Despite this particularity, hybrids are possible with Ophrys. . Species determination can be complex because authors do not agree, sometimes grouping certain taxa together and sometimes multiplying species. You will therefore sometimes find a single species: Ophrys fusca (Brown Ophrys) with the synonym Ophrys sulcata (Furrowed Ophrys). ), and Ophrys lupercalis (Ophrys lupercalis) or the 3 very distinct species as well as many others. Pierre Delforge even indicates that O. fusca is not present in France... in defiance of the official classification. It's not better with Remy Souche...the two often contradict each other. Each author or local botanist is convinced that he holds the truth of course as to the name or as to its identification criteria, its flowering period ... but in view of the divergent opinions, it is preferable to refer to the official classification as long as that research has not been able to determine with certainty whether these are different species or simply local variations. When the search for precision leads to a complexity marked by manifest errors, it is better to return to a saving simplification. I have therefore attempted here to present views respecting the most striking distinctive elements of determination. Click on the photos to enlarge

Ophrys arachnitiformis. Ophrys en forme d'araignée. False spider orchid. Ophrys arachnitiformis is one of the species that is not always easy to identify, especially since the authors of guides (as well as many pseudo-specialists) do not always have the same definition, consider that the geographical distribution differs, or do not present similar illustrations. It must be considered as a subspecies of Ophrys sphegodes from the Mediterranean rim with a rather early flowering. The sepals and petals are white to pink with a medium-sized labellum. As sometimes, everything is a matter of conviction but not always of convincing scientific elements, we must therefore remain cautious and for my part, I deliver this description and these views with all reserve in the hope of a finally settled debate and a precise diagnosis for the future. Click on the photos to enlarge