Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

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Ophrys insectifera L.

fly orchid (Orchidaceae)

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RestrictedModerate tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
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The small flowers of Ophrys insectifera are thought to resemble female insects in order to trick males into attempting to mate and so pollinate the orchid, although the deception may rely on chemical cues.

Bockmer End (VC24: Buckinghamshire); 2016-05-19

 fly orchid / Ophrys insectifera: The small flowers of _Ophrys insectifera_ are thought to resemble female insects in order to trick males into attempting to mate and so pollinate the orchid, although the deception may rely on chemical cues.

Ophrys insectifera grows over limestone and chalk in England, central Ireland, on Anglesey and near Abergele (VC50: Denbighshire).

Maidensgrove (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2016-05-19

 fly orchid / Ophrys insectifera: _Ophrys insectifera_ grows over limestone and chalk in England, central Ireland, on Anglesey and near Abergele (VC50).

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne