Bee orchid

Ophrys apifera

Up to 50 cm tall. An extremely distinctive perennial. Basal leaves are ovate-lanceolate and form a rosette: stem leaves are narrower ovate. Flowers are 12-25 mmm across and comprise three pink segments, two narrow green ones and a maroon and furry lower segment that is expanded to form a lip; yellow markings on the lip add to its fanciful resemblance to a bumblebee. Flowers borne in spikes of up to eight.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Favours dry grassland, usually on chalky soils.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

June-July

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread across much of Europe.

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