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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.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

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.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyOrchidaceaeGenusOphrys
Early Spider-orchid
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
Early Spider-orchid

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

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!

Special abilities

Ability

Deceptive Scent

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

Ability

Spider Impersonator

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

Ability

Pollinator Trapper

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

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

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.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not pick flowers; they are best enjoyed in nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Early Spider-orchid?

10-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Early Spider-orchid?

1-2 cm

When does Early Spider-orchid bloom?

Late winter to spring

Is Early Spider-orchid edible?

No

Is Early Spider-orchid toxic?

None

What is Early Spider-orchid's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Early Spider-orchid pollinated?

Insect

Where is Early Spider-orchid usually found?

Grasslands

Snap Map

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