




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
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.





Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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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!
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.
Andrena nigroaenea
Tricked into mating with the flower, carrying pollen.
Tulasnella calospora
Provides essential nutrients to the orchid's roots.
Ovis aries
Grazing sheep can sometimes consume these orchids in pastures.
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
No aliases listed yet.
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick flowers; they are best enjoyed in nature!
10-30 cm
1-2 cm
Late winter to spring
No
None
Perennial
Insect
Grasslands
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