bee orchids

small yellow ophrys (Ophrys lutea ssp minor)

Mirror Orchid (Ophrys ciliata/ O. speculum)

dull ophrys (Ophrys fusca)

fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera)

Bumble-bee orchid (Ophrys bombyliflora)

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) self-pollination

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera var bicolor)

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.