Ophyrs catalaunica × Ophrys speculum (O. catalaunica × O. speculum)

The Ophrys catalaunica × Ophrys speculum is a natural hybrid resulting from the cross between the orchid Ophrys catalaunica (taxonomically also treated by some authors as Ophrys bertolonii subsp. catalaunica) and Ophrys speculum. Currently, this hybrid has not been formally described, and no nothospecies name has been assigned to it.

Morphological Description and Life Cycle: Detailed morphological descriptions for this specific hybrid, as well as detailed information about its pollination or full life cycle, are not available in the provided sources, except that its flowering period is documented to occur in May. Despite the lack of a specific description for the hybrid, the sources do indicate the morphological characteristics of its parent species, from which the hybrid inherits and blends traits:

• Ophrys speculum is distinguished by an impressive iridescent blue labellum, with a yellow-green margin and a border of long, dense reddish-brown hairs, in addition to a glossy black stigmatic cavity with dark pseudo-eyes.
• Ophrys catalaunica is characterized by rather small flowers, with an elongated labellum that has slightly pronounced shoulders and a central macula that is often fragmented.

Habitat and Distribution: Its confirmed distribution is centered in Catalonia, Spain, appearing very sparsely and localized in the Girona region. Specifically, it has been recorded in populations in the county of La Selva, including the locality of Sant Martí Sacalm. Photographic observations have also been cited in nearby populations in the Garrotxa county, such as Amer and Les Planes d'Hostoles.

Conservation Status: Although the sources do not specify an official threat level, the plant is treated as very sensitive. So much so that in citizen science and data recording platforms, such as ornitho.cat, observations of Ophrys catalaunica × Ophrys speculum are classified as "partially hidden species" and are subject to a total restriction of publication ("total restriction of publication anytime") to protect the exact location of the plants. Herbivory by livestock in grazing areas is a confirmed risk for these hybrids.