This Ophrys is the lead species in a group that boasts just two members, itself O. blitopertha
and its very similar relative O. persephonae. They both find a home in the eastern Aegean though
the former is rather more widespread in a range that takes it from the Cyclades, through the
Aegean basin into Anatolia. There is significant overlap with its fellow group member and given the similarity between the two species there is considerable scope for confusion.
In terms of identification the flowers are of little help to the non expert and perhaps the key
characteristic is the size of the plant. O. persephonae is a robust 30-40cm orchid with up to 10
whereas O. blitopertha can only be described as somewhat weedy. Usually half the size at best and with maybe 2 or 3 flowers . Needless to say this doesnt allow for an unusually sturdy O. blitopertha to be confused with a spindly O. persephonae.
The plant depicted in photograph 3 is past its best and admittedly very dull but included so as to illustrate its challenged physique ! Another feature that may help distinguish the two species is O.
persephonae's preferred habitat which is generally in mid shade and usually in open pinewoods.
This orchid doesnt enjoy the most dignified name but it does refer to what is probably the plants most remarkable feature. Blitopertha lineolata is a beetle and the plants pollinator, which makes
O. blitopertha one of only a very few species so pollinated.
All photograph's are from Olympi in Chios and date from the 15th of April 2008.
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