O. igilia was first described as a full species by Kreutz in 2013 from the tiny Italian island of Isolo del Giglio that sits off the coast of Monte Argentario, Tuscany. It had originally been recognized in 1900 by Sommier who named it Ophrys exaltata var virescens, this being a reference to its completely green perianth. The specific name igilia, means goat and pertains to the island of Isolo which is also known as Goat Island.

O. igilia is generally described as endemic to Isolo del Giglia but the species has been recorded (albeit rarely) from Monte Argentario on the adjacent mainland. It is immediately recognizable by the predominantly green sepals and petals, the latter often being washed to a greater or lesser extent with lilac/pink colouration.

The labellum is somewhat variable but is normally dark chestnut, sometimes blackish, with considerably less of the reddish tones found in its close relative, O. crabronifera. Like its cousin however, the shoulders and lip margins are densely covered with a complete band of dark brown hair. The lip is entire and normally round but can also be reflexed, producing a more elliptical shape.The basal field is usually poorly defined and often concolourous with the rest of the lip. The speculum is much reduced, consisting of two unconnected or bridged, shiny blue droplets sometimes connected to the shoulders by a vague necklace. O. igilia is a plant of alkaline soils preferring a full sun position but often growing in the overgrown habitat so common in this part of Tuscany.

It is an early flowerer and the pictures date from the last week of March.