Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Fly Orchid

Ophrys insectifera

Photo by craigwilliams
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

51.2623, -0.467252

Field Notes

Description:

Deciduous tuberous terrestrial orchid. Flowers are sexually deceptive, duping young inexperienced male wasps into pseudocopulation. Part of a large colony for this species (around 50 plants). Growing in the company of Platanthera chlorantha and Listera ovata

Habitat:

Clearing in Beech Woodland

Notes:

Dusk had already fallen when we found these, hence slightly harsh flash.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
rutasandinas
Hermosas orquídeas, por favor agrégala a la mission Orchids in the World http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/9525140
craigwilliams
I always see this one as rather monstrous - like something that would take on Godzilla! I love it though. One of my favourite Ophrys

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Flowers of Europe
Photographed
PublishedNovember 2, 2011

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies