Early Spider-orchid

Ophrys sphegodes

The Early Spider-orchid is a beautiful flower that looks like a tiny spider! It blooms in spring and can be found in grassy areas. Its unique shape and colors make it special in nature.

Hábitat: Grasslands

Aspecto

The Early Spider-orchid has a slender green stem, topped with a spike of striking flowers. Each individual flower features green-striped sepals and a dark brown, velvety lip (labellum) often marked with a glossy blue or purple 'H' pattern, closely resembling a female spider.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseLiliopsidaOrdenAsparagalesFamiliaOrchidaceaeGéneroOphrys

Early Spider-orchid

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Snaps

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Datos interesantes

It often thrives on chalky soils, which are very rich in calcium carbonate.

Its scientific name, Ophrys sphegodes, means 'eyebrow-like' and 'wasp-like'.

The Early Spider-orchid is one of the very first wild orchids to bloom each spring.

This orchid flower offers no nectar, surviving by its clever trickery alone!

Habilidades especiales

Early Spider-orchid can release special scents that mimic female insect pheromones, tricking male bees into visiting its flowers.

The orchid has a flower shape that perfectly imitates a female spider, complete with fuzzy hairs and a shiny body-like patch.

By attracting male insects for 'pseudocopulation', the orchid ensures pollen gets attached to them, ready for the next flower.

Medidas y detalles

Altura: 10-30 cm
Tamaño de la flor: 1-2 cm
Temporada de floración: Late winter to spring
Comestible: No
Toxicidad: Ninguna
Ciclo de vida: Perenne
Método de polinización: Insectos

Conexiones ecológicas

pollinates

Mining Bee

Andrena nigroaenea

Tricked into mating with the flower, carrying pollen.

symbiotic with

Mycorrhizal Fungus

Tulasnella calospora

Provides essential nutrients to the orchid's roots.

eaten by

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Grazing sheep can sometimes consume these orchids in pastures.

Rasgos

Floración

Las plantas con flores son cualquier planta que produce flores como parte de su ciclo reproductivo.

Bienal

Las plantas bienales completan su ciclo de vida en dos temporadas de crecimiento, formando típicamente follaje en el primer año y floreciendo o semillando en el segundo.

Floración primaveral

Las plantas de floración primaveral producen sus flores durante la temporada de primavera, lo que a menudo significa el final del invierno y el comienzo de un nuevo crecimiento.