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Fly Orchid

Ophrys insectifera

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Asparagales

Family:

Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Also in this family:

Autumn Lady's Tresses, Bee Orchid, Birdsnest Orchid, Bog Orchid, Broad-leaved Helleborine, Burnt Orchid, Common Fragrant Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Coralroot Orchid, Creeping Lady's Tresses, Dark Red Helleborine, Dense-flowered Orchid, Dune Helleborine, Early Marsh Orchid, Early Purple Orchid, Early Spider Orchid, Fen Orchid, Frog Orchid, Ghost Orchid, Greater Butterfly Orchid, Green-flowered Helleborine, Green-winged Orchid, Heart-flowered Tongue Orchid, Heath Fragrant Orchid, Heath Spotted Orchid, Hebridean Marsh Orchid, Irish Lady's Tresses, Irish Marsh Orchid, Lady Orchid, Lady's-slipper Orchid, Late Spider Orchid, Lesser Butterfly Orchid, Lesser Twayblade, Lindisfarne Helleborine, Lizard Orchid, Man Orchid, Marsh Fragrant Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Military Orchid, Monkey Orchid, Musk Orchid, Narrow-leaved Helleborine, Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid, Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Northern Marsh Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Red Helleborine, Small White Orchid, Small-flowered Tongue Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Tongue Orchid, Violet Helleborine, Wasp Orchid, White Helleborine, Young's Helleborine

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

40 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Fens, fields, grassland, heathland, lawns, meadows, mountains, roadsides, sand dunes, scrub, seaside, wasteland, woodland.

Flower:

Brown, 5 petals

The flowers of the Fly Orchid in the UK are a botanical marvel, characterized by their intricate and deceptive design. Mimicking the appearance of certain insects, the small, brownish-green petals exhibit elaborate markings and patterns that closely resemble bees or wasps. The unique structure of these orchid flowers, with their mimicry of insects, serves as a clever strategy to attract specific pollinators. This mimicry, combined with the orchid's subtle beauty, creates a captivating display in the natural landscape, showcasing nature's ingenuity and the orchid's adaptation to its ecological niche.

Fruit:

Fly Orchids in the UK produce distinctive seed capsules rather than traditional fleshy fruits. Following successful pollination, the flowers transform into small, inconspicuous capsules that house numerous tiny, dust-like seeds. Unlike typical fruits, these capsules lack a pulpy interior and do not serve as a food source for animals. The primary purpose of the capsule is to facilitate the dispersal of seeds into the environment. Upon maturation, the capsule opens, releasing the minuscule seeds. The reproductive strategy of Fly Orchids involves a symbiotic relationship with specific fungi for successful germination, underscoring the intricate and specialized nature of their reproductive process in the ecological context.

Leaves:

The leaves of the Fly Orchid in the UK exhibit a distinctive and slender appearance, contributing to the plant's overall elegance. These lance-shaped leaves are typically basal, forming a rosette at the base of the stem. Their colouration is predominantly green, and they may feature subtle variations in shades. The leaves serve a crucial role in the orchid's life cycle, playing a part in photosynthesis to provide energy for the plant. The slender and elongated nature of the leaves complements the unique beauty of the orchid's flowers, offering a harmonious balance in the overall structure of the plant within its natural habitat.

Aroma:

The Fly Orchid in the UK is not particularly known for a strong or distinctive fragrance. Unlike some other flowering plants that rely on scent to attract pollinators, the Fly Orchid employs visual mimicry to lure specific insects. The primary allure lies in the orchid's intricate floral structure, which mimics the appearance of certain insects rather than emitting a noticeable fragrance. While the absence of a prominent scent may be notable, the orchid's reliance on visual cues for pollination highlights its adaptation to a specific ecological niche. The subtle beauty and deceptive design of the flowers make the Fly Orchid a fascinating specimen in the botanical landscape.

Frequency (UK):

Rarely seen

Summary

Ophrys insectifera, also known as the Fly Orchid, is a species of orchid that is native to Europe. It typically blooms in late spring or early summer, with spikes of beautiful flowers that resemble a fly. The flowers are usually brownish-purple in color, and have a distinctive "fly-like" pattern on the lip of the flower that helps to attract pollinators. It is commonly found in grassy meadows, and on road verges and wastelands. This species is considered as threatened in some countries due to habitat loss and degradation. It is a protected species in some countries and it is important to not pick or disturb the plants in the wild. This species is very similar in appearance to the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and can be difficult to distinguish from it.

Blog

The Fly Orchid, also known as Ophrys insectifera, is a fascinating and unique species of orchid native to Europe and parts of Asia. What makes this orchid so special is its ability to attract and deceive male flies, which it uses for pollination.

The Fly Orchid is a relatively small orchid, growing up to about 40cm tall. It typically blooms in late spring to early summer, producing one to four flowers per stem. The flowers are characterized by their unusual shape, which resembles a female fly. The lip of the flower is designed to mimic the appearance and scent of a female fly, which attracts male flies that mistake the flower for a potential mate.

Once a male fly is lured in, it lands on the lip of the flower and begins to mate with it. As the fly tries to copulate with the flower, it rubs against the column of the orchid, which is covered in pollen sacs. The pollen sticks to the fly, and when it flies off to find another mate, it inadvertently transfers the pollen to another Fly Orchid, thus pollinating the plant.

The Fly Orchid's unique reproductive strategy has evolved over time to ensure its survival in environments where pollinators may be scarce. By mimicking a female fly, the orchid is able to attract male flies and use them for pollination, rather than relying solely on bees or other insects.

In addition to its fascinating reproductive strategy, the Fly Orchid is also prized for its beauty. The flowers are a delicate shade of pink or purple, with intricate patterns and markings that add to their allure. They are a popular subject for photographers and orchid enthusiasts alike.

Unfortunately, like many orchid species, the Fly Orchid is threatened by habitat loss and overcollection. It is considered a protected species in many countries, and it is illegal to pick or disturb the plants in the wild.

The Fly Orchid belongs to the genus Ophrys, which is one of the largest genera of orchids, with over 200 known species. Ophrys orchids are primarily found in the Mediterranean region, with the highest concentration of species occurring in the Iberian Peninsula.

One of the interesting features of the Fly Orchid is the variation in the appearance of its flowers. The flowers can vary in size, shape, and color depending on their location and the specific pollinators that they attract. This variation is an example of natural selection at work, as the flowers that are most successful in attracting pollinators are the ones that are most likely to reproduce and pass on their genetic traits.

Another unique aspect of the Fly Orchid's reproductive strategy is its use of chemical mimicry. In addition to mimicking the appearance and scent of a female fly, the orchid also produces chemicals that mimic the pheromones of female flies. These chemicals further enhance the orchid's ability to attract male flies and increase the likelihood of successful pollination.

While the Fly Orchid is primarily pollinated by flies, it is not entirely dependent on them for reproduction. In areas where flies are scarce, the orchid is able to self-pollinate, ensuring that at least some of its seeds will germinate and grow into new plants.

In addition to its importance in the ecosystem, the Fly Orchid has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The roots of the plant were believed to have medicinal properties and were used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin conditions.

The Fly Orchid has also been the subject of scientific research due to its unique pollination strategy. Researchers have investigated the chemical compounds produced by the orchid that mimic the pheromones of female flies, and how these compounds are perceived by male flies. This research can provide insights into the mechanisms of chemical communication in nature and may have applications in fields such as pest control and agriculture.

In addition to its scientific importance, the Fly Orchid has also played a role in folklore and mythology. In some cultures, the orchid was believed to have mystical powers and was used in love potions and other magical rituals. In other cultures, the orchid was associated with death and was thought to have the ability to bring about nightmares and other ill omens.

Today, the Fly Orchid is considered a symbol of conservation and environmental awareness. Its unique reproductive strategy and vulnerability to habitat loss and overcollection serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving biodiversity.

If you are interested in observing the Fly Orchid in its natural habitat, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to respect the plant and its environment by not picking or disturbing the flowers or the surrounding area. Secondly, the orchid is a protected species in many countries, so it is important to follow local laws and regulations when observing the plant.

In conclusion, the Fly Orchid is a remarkable and fascinating species of orchid that has captivated scientists, artists, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Its unique pollination strategy, beautiful flowers, and cultural significance make it an important and valued part of the natural world. By working to protect and conserve this plant, we can ensure that it continues to inspire and captivate future generations.

25 Fascinating Facts about the Fly Orchid

The Fly Orchid is a species of orchid found in Europe and parts of Asia.
Its scientific name is Ophrys insectifera.
The Fly Orchid is named after its unique ability to attract male flies for pollination.
The flowers of the Fly Orchid are designed to mimic the appearance and scent of female flies.
The male flies are attracted to the flowers and try to mate with them, inadvertently pollinating the plant in the process.
The Fly Orchid blooms in late spring to early summer, producing one to four flowers per stem.
The flowers of the Fly Orchid are typically pink or purple, with intricate patterns and markings.
The Fly Orchid is a relatively small orchid, growing up to about 40cm tall.
The genus Ophrys, to which the Fly Orchid belongs, is one of the largest genera of orchids, with over 200 known species.
The Fly Orchid is primarily pollinated by flies, but can also self-pollinate if necessary.
The Fly Orchid is considered a protected species in many countries due to habitat loss and overcollection.
The Fly Orchid's unique reproductive strategy has evolved to ensure its survival in environments where pollinators may be scarce.
In addition to its reproductive strategy, the Fly Orchid is also prized for its beauty and is a popular subject for photographers and orchid enthusiasts.
The Fly Orchid has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for respiratory and digestive ailments.
Researchers have investigated the chemical compounds produced by the Fly Orchid that mimic the pheromones of female flies and their effect on male flies.
The Fly Orchid has also played a role in folklore and mythology, being associated with both love and death in different cultures.
The Fly Orchid is an important symbol of conservation and environmental awareness.
The Fly Orchid is also known by other common names, such as Fly-scented Orchid and Fly Ophrys.
The Fly Orchid is often found in grassy meadows, open woodlands, and other areas with well-drained soil.
The Fly Orchid is one of the more common Ophrys species, with a relatively wide distribution.
The Fly Orchid can hybridize with other Ophrys species, leading to the development of new hybrids with unique characteristics.
The Fly Orchid is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.
The Fly Orchid is adapted to thrive in a variety of soil types and growing conditions.
The Fly Orchid is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to mature and produce flowers.
The Fly Orchid is a fascinating and important plant that serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

The Fly Orchid, also known as Ophrys insectifera, is a species of orchid found in Europe and parts of Asia. It is named after its unique ability to attract male flies for pollination, and its flowers are designed to mimic the appearance and scent of female flies. The Fly Orchid blooms in late spring to early summer and is prized for its beauty and unique reproductive strategy. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is an important symbol of conservation and environmental awareness. While it is relatively common and has a wide distribution, the Fly Orchid is considered a protected species in many countries due to habitat loss and overcollection. By working to protect and conserve this remarkable plant, we can ensure that it continues to inspire and captivate future generations.