Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera, Sp. Pl.: 948 (1753))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 948 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophrys

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

The Fly Orchid, known scientifically as Ophrys insectifera, is a captivating member of the Orchidaceae family. This elegant and intriguing plant is native to Europe, where it thrives in diverse habitats such as grasslands, open woods, and on calcareous substrates.

The Fly Orchid is named for its unique flowers that remarkably resemble real flies. This remarkable mimicry is not just a whimsical coincidence; it serves a crucial purpose in the plant’s reproduction strategy. The flowers mimic the appearance and even the scent of female flies, attracting male insects in search of a mate. As these unsuspecting males attempt to copulate with the flower, they inadvertently pick up pollen and carry it to the next flower they visit, thus enabling pollination.

The Fly Orchid’s flowers are small and delicate, typically featuring a deep, velvety maroon labellum that contrasts beautifully with the green sepals and petals. This orchid blooms from May to July, depending on the specific geographic location and environmental conditions.

Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy, first described the Fly Orchid in 1753 in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum.” This historical context adds a layer of botanical significance to the species, highlighting its place within the rich tapestry of European flora.

Though not common in all regions, the Fly Orchid holds a distinctive charm for botanists and orchid enthusiasts alike. Its specialized pollination mechanism is a fascinating example of co-evolution and the intricate relationships within ecosystems. As with many orchids, the conservation of the Fly Orchid’s natural habitats is essential to ensure its continued survival and the preservation of its ecological interactions.

In summary, Ophrys insectifera is not just a plant but a stunning example of nature’s ingenuity. Its unique appearance and sophisticated pollination strategy make it a jewel among European orchids, admired both for its beauty and its biological intricacies.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig flueblomst, flueblomst
Deu: fliegen-ragwurz
Nor: flueblom
Pol: dwulistnik muszy
Nob: flueblom
Swe: flugblomster, kimalaisorho
Nno: flugeblom
Eng: fly orchid, insect bearing ophrys
Fin: kimalaisorho
Lav: mušu ofrida
Fra: ophrys mouche
Nld: vliegenorchis
Sme: divrenađđa
Cym: caineirian yr ednogyn, tegeirian pryfyn, tegeirian trychfilyn, tegeirian y clêr, tegeirian y gleren, tegeiriau’r clêr
En: Fly orchid, Insect Bearing Ophrys
Be: Офрыс насякоманосная
Bg: Муховидна пчелица
Ca: Abellera mosquera, Mosquera
Cs: Tořič hmyzonosný
Da: Almindelig flueblomst, Flueblomst
Nl: Vliegenorchis
Et: Kärbesõis
Fi: Kimalaisorho
Fr: Ophrys mouche
De: Fliegen-Ragwurz, Fliegen – Ragwurz, Fliegenblume, Mückenstendel
Hu: Légybangó
Ga: Magairlín na gcuileanna
It: Orchidea insettifera, Moscaria, Ofride insettifera, Pecchie
Lv: Mušu ofrīda, Mušu ofrida
Lt: Musinis ofris
Se: Divrenađđa
No: Flueblom, Flugeblom
Nb: Flueblom
Nn: Flugeblom
Pl: Dwulistnik muszy
Ru: Офрис насекомоносная
Sk: Hmyzovník muchovitý
Es: Orquídea mosca
Sv: Flugblomster, Kimalaisorho
Uk: Офрис комахоносний
Cy: Tegeirian y clêr, Caineirian yr Ednogyn, Tegeirian Pryfyn, Tegeirian Trychfilyn, Tegeirian y Gleren, Tegeiriau’r Clêr

Synonyms

• Orchis insectifera ((L.) Crantz)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 8, 2021 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Antonin Chesneau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 8, 2021 by Llongarriu Adriana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Vital Orcel (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 27, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bruno MACÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc GORREMANS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2018 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Hervé NIEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2016 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Catherine MAHYEUX (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Jean-Louis PASTEUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Daniel MATHIEU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Lo Delaho (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2792588)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:647942-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophrys insectifera L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]