Bee Orchid
Ophrys apifera
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.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophrys_apifera
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Liliopsida
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Ophrys
Bee Orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae, order Asparagales, within the Liliopsida class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
Agricultural intensification and conversion
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Abandonment of traditional grazing practices
Climate change affecting flowering synchronization
Scrubland encroachment due to reduced management
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bee-orchid