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Bee Orchid

Ophrys apifera

Published on Project Noah
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53.5528, -1.48278

Field Notes

Description:

In Britain the bee orchid is self-pollinating. In some places, however, it is thought to be pollinated by the bumblebee and its enchanting flower is designed to help things along. Fooled into thinking there's another one of its kind, bumblebees try to mate with it. In doing so the orchid's pollen is spread more easily.

Habitat:

Found by the roadside of a busy dual carriageway and next to a bus stop in the Dearne Valley.

Notes:

The local council have agreed not to cut the grass verges until after the Orchids have finished flowering.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Debbie Stewart
I'm glad you think so Leuba! Thank you for the appreciation and taking time to read and comment on it too :-) Fortunately it is located near a large nature reserve owned by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) so I think they managed to persuade the council to postpone the grass cutting until they had finished flowering, although it is quite comical when you all you can see at the side of a busy dual carriageway is people on their knees underneath a bus stop trying to get photos of this beauty!!
Leuba Ridgway
Everything about this spotting is lovely ! - the orchid, the information and the council's decision to leave them alone to propogate and for everyone to enjoy !! Thanks for sharing, Debbie.
Debbie Stewart
Haha, I am sure Faredin wouldn't mind if you took a detour en route ;-)
Jopy
haha difficult decision :D
Debbie Stewart
Thanks Jopy! Looks like you should be heading to Yorkshire then instead of Denmark haha ;-)
Jopy
Nice to see this one, Orchids in Croatia have finished flowering, I'm not happy for that :(

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Flowers of Europe
Mission
Wild Orchids
Mission
2013 Best Wildlife Photo
Mission
Mission WILD
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

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Photographed
PublishedJuly 16, 2013

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