Abundance and Variability of Ophrys catalaunica in Garrotxa and La Selva

This Sunday, April 26th, we conducted field investigations in the Garrotxa and La Selva regions. During this outing, we recorded multiple sightings of Ophrys catalaunica. We observed numerous specimens of this terrestrial orchid, which is subendemic to Catalonia. The individuals displayed notable abundance and considerable variability in their flowering states, ranging from incipient buds to fully open flowers. This observation is particularly interesting as its primary flowering period is typically in May. This species thrives in sunny locations with calcareous soils, conditions present in the areas we explored. Detailed observation allowed us to appreciate the characteristics of its distinctive labellum, featuring the shiny central macula often H-shaped, a key element in its sexual deception pollination.