This species was first described by Devillers-Terschuren
and Devillers from Monte Argentaria,
Italy in 2000. Its name
means "of the western sunset" which we can only
assume refers to the often reddish hues of the labellum.
Its true status as a species is a matter of some disagreement with some believing it to be synonymous with O. sulcata and there is little doubt that despite them being situated in different groups, they are morphologically very alike. Among the more obvious similarities are the small size of the flowers and the tightly reflexed lateral lobes that give the overall labellum a thin, cylindrical look. The lip also exhibits a vague but nonetheless discernible reddish sheen, often producing a purplish tone to the blue/grey speculum.
The distribution of O. hespera is uncertain but thought to be mid western Italy predominantly centred on the Grosetto region of Tuscany and Monte Argentaria in particular. Its range does not overlap significantly with other Pseudophrys and its unlikely therefore to be confused with any other species. The only taxon with which it regularly come into contact is the extremely rare O. lucifera though the clear differences in flower size, shape and colouration are more than sufficient to differentiate them. Importantly, the flowering periods barely overlap, with O. hespera being significantly later (mid April to May).
Although a variable species, the large stigmatic cavity and long central lip groove are consistently characteristic features. The photos are from Monte Argentaria,dating from the first week of May.
Its true status as a species is a matter of some disagreement with some believing it to be synonymous with O. sulcata and there is little doubt that despite them being situated in different groups, they are morphologically very alike. Among the more obvious similarities are the small size of the flowers and the tightly reflexed lateral lobes that give the overall labellum a thin, cylindrical look. The lip also exhibits a vague but nonetheless discernible reddish sheen, often producing a purplish tone to the blue/grey speculum.
The distribution of O. hespera is uncertain but thought to be mid western Italy predominantly centred on the Grosetto region of Tuscany and Monte Argentaria in particular. Its range does not overlap significantly with other Pseudophrys and its unlikely therefore to be confused with any other species. The only taxon with which it regularly come into contact is the extremely rare O. lucifera though the clear differences in flower size, shape and colouration are more than sufficient to differentiate them. Importantly, the flowering periods barely overlap, with O. hespera being significantly later (mid April to May).
Although a variable species, the large stigmatic cavity and long central lip groove are consistently characteristic features. The photos are from Monte Argentaria,dating from the first week of May.
.