Ophrys cretica

Appearance

It is a very similar plant to O. ariadnae and on Crete the two species are known to hybridize, though the scope for this is restricted by limited overlap of range and differing flowering times. Even without genetic interference, natural variation ensures distinguishing between O. ariadnae and O. cretica is not always straightforward. In typical forms however, two features in particular serve to separate the taxons. The first of these is the stigmatic cavity which in O. cretica is constricted at the base, creating the appearance of a neck. In O. ariadnae, it widens at the base or at least rises straight up from the shoulders. A second distinguishing characteristic is the significantly more complex and extensive specular pattern. In O. cretica the speculum is often little more than an embellished white edged H.