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Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)

It can be locally quite abundant, but is by no means common. The distinctive shape and colouring of the flower resulting from a process of evolution that encourages certain species of bees and wasps (in habitats in the Mediterranean area) to attempt to mate with the flower – thus aiding the transfer of pollen. In this country it is more usual that self-pollination takes place, the pollen sacs on their long stalks simply swinging in the breeze until they make contact with the stigma beneath.


049-01 Bee Orchid 049-02 Bee Orchid 049-03 Bee Orchid 049-04 Bee Orchid 049-05 Bee Orchid
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See also: Spring/Early-summer flowering orchids at Badbury Rings.


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picture resolution
The pictures of Bee Orchid in this gallery were captured at medium resolution.
This is images of dorset stock photography gallery 049
All photographs copyright © 1998–2003 John Allen


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