Syn.: Ophrys fuciflora subsp. pollinensis E. Nelson, Ophrys exaltata subsp. sundermanni Soó, Ophrys crabronifera subsp. sundermanni (Soó) Del Prete, Ophrys crabronifera subsp. pollinensis (E. Nelson) H. Baumann et R. Lorenz, Ophrys argolica subsp. biscutella (O. et E. Danesch) Kreutz
Family: Orchidaceae Juss.
Distribution: An endemic species of southern Italy.
Ecology: It grows in dry meadows and pastures, macchie and garrigue, on rocky slopes, and in woodland margins, up to 1300 m asl. Blooms from April to May.
Description: A perennial herb with an erect stem, 15–50 cm tall. The basal leaves in rosette, lanceolate. The flowers 2–8(–10) in a lax inflorescence; perianth-segments unequal, outer oblong or ovate, obtuse, pink or white, inner lateral smaller, pink, labellum slightly 3-lobed, gibbous, reddish brown, with characteristic eyeglass-like speculum; spur absent. The fruit is a capsule.
Threat and protection: Ophrys biscutella is a protected plant by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
These images were taken in Italy, Gargano, Pianura di Montenero (April 20, 2008).
