Late April Finds: Observing Woodcock Bee-orchids in Empordà

During a recent afternoon spent revisiting known orchid habitats in the Baix Empordà region, observations of the Ophrys scolopax, commonly known as the Woodcock Bee-orchid, were made. These terrestrial orchids were found in late April, with a notable number of specimens recorded across various locations.

The plants observed were in very good condition, displaying the species' characteristic features, including the distinctively trilobed and velvety labellum. At one specific point, approximately 20 individual plants were counted. The opportunity was taken to photograph several specimens to document the morphological variability within the species, particularly concerning the subtle differences in the coloration and patterning of the speculum mark on the labellum, which often varies from plant to plant.