The fly orchid (Ophrys insectifera) is usually found on chalk and limestone soils in open deciduous woodland and scrub, but is also recorded from grassland and chalk-pits. It is rare in the UK and even at known locations can be difficult to spot.

Fly orchids in woodland clearing. Surrey, UK.

Fly orchids are in flower between May and June. At this time they attract male digger wasps (Argogorytes mystaceus) with a scent which closely resembles the female wasp’s pheromone.

Males attempt to copulate with the orchid and during this process pollinia become attached, which may be carried to the stigma of another flower, completing pollination.

Digger wasp attracted to fly orchid flower.

Male digger wasp pseudo-copulating with fly orchid.

Fly orchid pollinia attached to the head of male digger wasp.

I was finally lucky enough to observe and document this behaviour in the Surrey Hills earlier this year.

Find out more

• Buy & license images on my photographic website
• Species profile: Fly orchid
• Species profile: Digger wasp