Ophrys picta

Photographed Portugal, 11 April 2004

Image number 110404dscn8

Ophrys picta is a very variable orchid, which has different labellum patterns and sepals varying from white to deep purple. When looking at photographs it resembles Ophrys scolopax, Ophrys cornuta and Ophrys heldreichii. There is however a very large size difference in that Ophrys picta is similar in size to Ophrys cornuta and about half the size of the others.  Ophrys picta is found in Portugal and Ophrys cornuta in Greece, both are locally common and both can grow tall with many flowers on a spike.