Plant species

dark spider orchid Ophrys sphegodes subsp. atrata

Orchidaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Ophrys atrataOphrys incubacea

Description

A slender tuberous orchid with a lax spike of relatively few flowers. Green sepals surround a dark brown to almost black, velvety, rounded lip with prominent basal swellings and a usually H-shaped bluish metallic speculum.

Plant traits

Growth form

orchid

Life cycle

perennial

Height

20–60 cm

Typical season

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

dry grasslands · shrubland · open woodland

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

As in other spider orchids, pollination is based on sexual deception: the flower imitates signals of female solitary bees and induces males to attempt mating.