Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid

Photograph of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid)taken at North Slob, Wexford, spring 2003. the "bee" orchids, with flowers which cunningly resemble insects such as bees, flies or spiders. The bee orchid, looks very much like a queen bee. The sepals are usually pale pink, but sometimes white, and each has a green central stripe.

Bee Orchid

Bee Orchid

Photograph of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid)taken at North Slob, Wexford, spring 2003. the "bee" orchids, with flowers which cunningly resemble insects such as bees, flies or spiders. The bee orchid, looks very much like a queen bee. The sepals are usually pale pink, but sometimes white, and each has a green central stripe.

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Latin name: Ophrys apifera

Size: Grows to a height of between 15 and 35cms.

Distribution: Found mostly in southern Ireland and England and is quite rare.

Flowering months: Usually appears between April and June.

Habitat: Low lying woodland and scrub areas.

Special features: The members of the genus Ophrys are the "bee" orchids, with flowers cunningly developed to resemble insects such as bees, flies or spiders feeding on a flower. The bee orchid, looks very much like a queen bee. Because of this resemblance, male bees (drones) visit the flowers again and again, thus picking up and distributing the orchid's pollen. The leaves are usually oval or lance-shaped basal leaves, with narrower leaves clasping the stem. The sepals are usually pale pink, but sometimes white, and each has a green central stripe.