Orchids of the UK - Early Spider Orchid
Orchids of the UK
Early Spider Orchid Ophrys sphegodes
Rob Read.
Above: Early Spider Orchid flowering on the Dorset coastal cliffs. ©Rob Read
The Early Spider Orchid as its name suggests, is one of the first orchids of the year to flower, April through to May. However, it is a nationally scarce species, and its distribution almost entirely limited to the south coast. Indeed, I have only ever seen this plant on the cliff tops of Dorset close to Swanage. If you are willing to travel, then it is a species which is prolific at certain well-known sites and can be found with relative ease.
The Early Spider Orchid is a relatively small plant, ranging in size from 5-15cm in height (although it occasionally grows taller), but it does stand out in the short grassland habitat which that early in the season hasn’t yet got into its growth stride. Each spike bears between 2 to 7 flowers, with yellowish-green petals and sepals, and an obvious furry purplish-brown bottom lip. The stem and leaves are also yellowish-green in colour.
This orchid is well worth the trip to see as you will also have the chance to enjoy the gorgeous chalk downland and cliffs of Dorset where there is so much else to see. I recall a memorable day when I saw Early Spider Orchid, Early Purple Orchid and basking Adders too – all with that stunning coastal backdrop. Something to look forward to next spring.
