"Corbariensis" is a relatively widespread ophrys with a range that takes it from central Spain through the Pyrenees into
southern France and possibly as far east as Liguria in Italy. It is however at its most frequent in the region of France to the north of the Pyrenees (Aude,Ariege etc).
Although "corbariensis" can grow in association with similar species, it's not particularly difficult to identify except of course where hybridisation has complicated the issue. Its reasonable to suspect that close contact with both "scolopax" and "picta" will have adversely affected some populations.
Perhaps the most significant recognition feature is the position
of the median lobe's waistline which in this species is placed
halfway down and just below the lateral lobes, whereas "scolopax" presents a more pear shaped appearance.
The illustrations all come from Corbieres and date from the last
week of May.
