About Ophrys bombyliflora Link
Ophrys bombyliflora, commonly called the bumblebee orchid, is a species in the Ophrys (bee orchid) genus. It is native to the Mediterranean region, ranging from Portugal and the Canary Islands east to Turkey and Lebanon. The genus name Ophrys comes from Greek, and references the hairy lip found on the flowers of this genus. The specific epithet bombyliflora is derived from the Greek word bombylios, meaning bumblebee, which refers to the appearance of this species’ flowers. This orchid is pollinated by male solitary bees belonging to the genus Eucera, which are not bumblebees. Like other Ophrys species, its flowers mimic female Eucera bees in both appearance and scent. Males that emerge earlier in the season attempt to mate with the flowers, a behavior called pseudocopulation. During these attempts, the bees collect pollinia, which they then transfer to other flowers of the same species.
