Late spider-orchid (Ophrys fuciflora, Suppl. Meth.: 311 (1802))

Family: Orchidaceae

Author: Moench (F.W.Schmidt)

Bibliography: Suppl. Meth.: 311 (1802)

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ophrys

Vegetable: False

Observations: Unknown

Description

The Late Spider-Orchid, scientifically referred to as Ophrys fuciflora, is an extraordinary specimen within the vast and fascinating Orchidaceae family. First documented by Moench in 1802, as noted in the “Suppl. Meth.,” this striking orchid captivates botanists and nature enthusiasts alike with its unique appearance and intriguing pollination strategy.

Characterized by its intricate flower structure, the Late Spider-Orchid features a lip that bears a remarkable resemblance to a female bee, a clever adaptation that plays a crucial role in its reproductive cycle. This mimicry is not only a visual spectacle but also an evolutionary marvel, as it deceives male bees into attempting to mate with the flower, thus facilitating pollination.

Typically found in meadows, grassy slopes, and open woodland regions, Ophrys fuciflora thrives in well-drained, calcareous soils with abundant sunlight. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, a period during which the plant showcases its beautifully complex blossoms—each one a testament to nature’s ingenuity.

Despite being a relatively unknown entity beyond specific botanical circles, the Late Spider-Orchid’s contribution to our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions is invaluable. Conservation efforts are crucial for this orchid’s continued survival, as habitat loss and environmental changes pose significant threats. Encouraging the preservation of natural habitats helps ensure that this and other orchid species continue to flourish, enriching our ecosystems and scientific knowledge.

In summary, the Late Spider-Orchid, Ophrys fuciflora, is not just a plant but a remarkable narrative of evolutionary strategy and ecological interaction, deserving of study and protection for its bewildering beauty and ecological significance.

Common Names

Eng: late spider-orchid, late spider orchid
Cym: tegeirian-corryn hwyr, tegeirian-y-corryn diweddar, tegeiriau’r-corryn diweddar
En: Late Spider-orchid, Late spider orchid
Nl: Hommelorchis
Fr: Ophrys bourdon, Ophrys frelon
De: Hummel Ragwurz, Hummel-Ragwurz
It: Ofride dei Fuchi, Vesparia crestata
Sk: Hmyzovník čmeľovitý
Cy: Tegeirian-Corryn Hwyr, Tegeirian-y-Corryn Diweddar, Tegeiriau’r-Corryn Diweddar
: Late spider-orchid

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 24, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken May 4, 2019 by Antoine le Clercq (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 17, 2020 by Lawree Lawree (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Carlo Bottero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Lawree Lawree (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Carlo Bottero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2018 by Frédéric Boucharel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 16, 2016 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 12, 2020 by Cristian Zanella Cristian Zanella (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 8, 2019 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Celenza Giuseppe (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 8, 2018 by Wim Stoop (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by Beate Liebold (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 17, 2022 by Hartmut Müller (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2793631)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ophrys fuciflora (F.W.Schmidt) Moench)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]