Fly Orchid

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Ophrys insectifera
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Asparagales Family: Orchidaceae Genus: Ophrys Species: O. insectifera
Binomial name
Ophrys insectifera

Fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera) is a plant of the family Orchidaceae, a native of the British Isles and Europe favouring sites with alkaline soil. The name arises because it resembles a fly, being totally dependent on flies and bees for pollination. However this is fairly unsuccessful as they seldom visit the flower and it forms seed only infrequently. The plants use scent to attract male flies, which pollinate the flowers as they attempt to mate with the flower. The scent released by the flowers mimic female fly sexual pheromones. ^[1]

[edit] See also

• Galley Down Wood

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Den virtuella floran - Distribution

v • d • e Orchid of the Year in Germany Western marsh orchid (1989) | Pyramidal orchid (1990) | Green-winged Orchid (1991) | Listera ovata (1992) | Military Orchid (1993) | Fen orchid (1994) | Bee Orchid (1995) | Cypripedium calceolus (1996) | Bug Orchid (1997) | Marsh Helleborine (1998) | Lizard Orchid (1999) | Red Helleborine (2000) | Autumn Ladies'-tresses (2001) | Bird's-nest Orchid (2002) | Fly Orchid (2003) | Frog Orchid (2004) | Burnt orchid (2005) | Broadleaf Helleborine (2006) | Nigritella nigra rhellicani (2007)

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Ophrys insectifera