This species was first described by J. Devillers-Terschuren and P. Devillers from Charente,
France in 1994. The name sulcata means " with a groove".
It has a western sub Mediterranean distribution somewhat similar to that of O. bilunulata with
which it can frequently be found, particularly in southern France. Its full range takes it from
northern Spain, through France as far north as Brittany and also in southern Italy and Istria.
O. sulcata is primarily an orchid of alkaline grasslands, pasture and garrigue in full sun. It does
however show a marked preference for a moist location and north facing hillside flushes suit it
perfectly. Although a very local Ophrys that is unaccountably absent from large and seemingly
ideal habitat, it can be abundant in its chosen sites.
The plant is small, as are the flowers which usually number just 4 or 5 and which tend to cluster
into a short inflorescence. The sepals, as with the spindly stem and leaves are decidedly
yellowish and the overall impression of the plant is that it looks a bit undernourished and
sickly !
One of the most important identification features is the fine but dense hairiness of the lip which
gives O. sulcata a distinctive furry appearance. All the photographs come from Provence in
France and date from the last week of May.
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