Ophrys × peltieri (O. scolopax × O. tenthredinifera)

Ophrys x peltieri is a natural hybrid orchid belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is the result of a natural cross between the species Ophrys scolopax and Ophrys tenthredinifera, and was originally described by the botanist Maire in 1924. It is also known by the synonym Ophrys x composita Pau.

Morphological description: This plant reaches an average height of between 10 and 40 centimeters. As a hybrid, it may exhibit intermediate or derived morphologies from its parent species, or from closely related variants such as Ophrys picta and Ophrys tenthredinifera subsp. ficalhoana.

Life cycle and flowering: Its flowering cycle occurs during spring, extending from March to early June. Some records in Catalonia place the bulk of its flowering specifically during April and May. The consulted sources do not provide specific data on the exclusive pollinator insects for this particular hybrid.

Habitat and distribution: Ophrys x peltieri typically grows in pastures, grasslands in scrub clearings, and abandoned cultivated fields. It prefers dry or temporarily fresh soils and has been observed in Teucrio-Brachypodietum retusi pastures and nitrified herbaceous areas. It can grow across a wide altitudinal range, from 100 to 1500 meters above sea level. Its distribution covers the western Mediterranean region. Specifically, its presence has been documented in Italy, Southern France, the Iberian Peninsula (including citations in Andalusia, the Valencian Community, and Catalonia), and North Africa (mainly in Morocco and Algeria).

Conservation status: Although no official conservation category has been assigned to the species, it is indicated that this hybrid (or "nototaxon") may be much more frequent than current citations suggest, given that its parent species are widely and abundantly distributed. It is often reported as a "novelty" in local floristic inventories where it goes unnoticed or is confused with its parent species.