bee orchid variety (Ophrys apifera var
chlorantha)
Ophrys apifera x O bertolonii (O.x
vespertilio)
hybrid Ophrys apifera / O.fuciflora
(Ophrys x albertiana).
(Ophrys fuciflora) late spider orchid
with predator
hybrid: Ophrys biscutella x
O.tenthredinifera (O. x montis-angeli)
hybrid: O.fuciflora x
O.tenthredinifera (Ophrys x maremmae)
hybrid: O. lacaitae x O fuciflora
hybrid: O. lacaitae x O fuciflora
hybrid: O. lacaitae x O fuciflora
hybrid: Ophrys sphegodes x O. speculum
(O. x macchiatii)
hybrid: Ophrys bombyliflora x O.
sphegodes = O.x hoeppneri)
hybrid: Ophrys tenthredinifera x
O.bombyliflora = (O. x sommieri)
hybrid: Ophrys tenthredinifera x
O.bombyliflora = (O. x sommieri)
Ophrys fuciflora x O.bombyliflora
Hybrid Ophrys crabronifera x Ophrys
atrata
Ophrys - bee orchids 2
This is a further selection of Ophrys species in Italy plus a
selection of hybrids.
Some enthusiasts see hybrids everywhere - the slightest variation
in lip pattern to them denotes a hybrid. This is an error born of
limited field experience where, soon, any enthusiast becomes aware
of the amazing potential for variation withi a single species. In
regions like Gargano hybrids are more frequent, both because of
greater numbers of Ophrys plants but often in large populations of
pollinating insects there will be those whose olfactory senses are
also 'evolving' and they will not be species-faithful. The Ophrys
scent is, after all, a cocktail and certain ingredients might
appeal to several hymenopteran species.
It is important to remember when looking at Ophrys we are only
granted a snapshot in their evolution: putting names to
intermediates that may (or may not) survive no more than a
generation or two stretches the boundaries of any classification
system.
The taxonomy did, at one point intrigue me - I am now more
concerned with doumneting photographically and with conservation. I
confess the 'trainspotter mentality' of some gets me down.
The main thing is to enjoy these delightful plants and searching
for them will take you to some incredible places - in turn you will
get a better feel for what makes an environment work
All these orchids mimic their pollinators (small species of bees
and wasps) and secrete scents that parallel the pheromones secreted
by the female insects.
Gargano and Sicily are two of the 'hotspots' for this genus...and
we run our special tours to both
Orchids of all sorts, terrestrial and epiphytic are a speciality.
The collection illustrates virtually every European species,
variety and hybrid in close-up and habitat shots. There is an
extensive collection of tropical orchids on film which is also
available from the agencies we supply.