Ophrys speculum

Ophrys speculum, commonly known as the Mirror Orchid, is a perennial orchid characterized by its floral mimicry. The epithet speculum refers to the remarkable specular structure present on the labellum.

Morphological description: It is a herbaceous plant measuring between 10 and 65 cm in height. It has a basal rosette of ovate to lanceolate leaves. The inflorescence is lax, with between 2 and 15 flowers. The sepals are yellowish-green or brownish, sometimes with brownish-purple stripes. The lateral petals are small, velvety, and reddish-brown. The labellum is trilobed, with a smooth and shiny central macula (speculum) of metallic blue or violet color, surrounded by a yellow marginal stripe. The edge of the labellum is covered with long, reddish hairs.

Habitat and distribution: It grows in grasslands, scrubland clearings, maritime grasslands, and open woodlands, preferably on basic and calcareous substrates. It is a Mediterranean species, present in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. It flowers in the spring.

Pollination: Pollination occurs by sexual deception, where the flower mimics the female of the wasp Dasyscolia ciliata to attract the male.