Bee Orchid
VU

Bee Orchid

Ophrys apifera

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophrys_apifera

Overview

Ophrys apifera, known in Europe as the bee orchid, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Ophrys, in the family of Orchidaceae. It serves as an example of sexually deceptive pollination and floral mimicry, a highly selective and highly evolved plant–pollinator relationship.

The Bee Orchid faces significant population declines across its range due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which destroys the calcareous grasslands it depends on. Changes in land management practices, particularly the abandonment of traditional grazing and the cessation of regular mowing, have led to scrubland encroachment that eliminates suitable habitat conditions.

Threat summary

Habitat

Calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, limestone pavements, and short-turf meadows with well-drained alkaline soils. Also found in coastal dunes, quarries, road verges, and occasionally woodland edges where soil conditions are suitable.

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Encyclia nematocaulonCR

Encyclia nematocaulon

Unknown
Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bee Orchid classified as Vulnerable?
Bee Orchid is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Bee Orchid faces significant population declines across its range due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which destroys the calcareous grasslands it depends on. Changes in land management practices, particularly the abandonment of traditional grazing and the cessation of regular mowing, have led to scrubland encroachment that eliminates suitable habitat conditions.
Where does Bee Orchid live?
Bee Orchid occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bee Orchid?
The main threats to Bee Orchid are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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