O. prespaensis
was first described from Psarades (Greece) by Hirth and Paulus in 2017 and is a member of the
widespread and increasingly confusing O. mammosa group
of Ophrys.
The range of this species is very small and centered close to Lake Prespa, a large body of water which straddles the Greek/Albanian border. It is not currently known from any other part of Greece, nor does it occur across the border in Albania. O. prespaensis is variable and can often be difficult to distinguish from other local Ophrys, notably O. leucophthalma and O. hansreinhardii. Some authorities believe the species to be of hybridogenous origin with these two taxons as ancient parents. Despite its very limited distribution, it occurs in substantial numbers at elevations above 900m
O. prespaensis typically exhibits a wide stigmatic cavity, light green/yellowish perianth and white lined, steel blue speculum. The protuberences can vary from small to well developed and the lip dark red to dark brown. Full species status is justified by its unique pollinator.
It first appears at the beginning of April and flowers through untill mid May. The single photo is from a site near the abandoned village of Trivouno in Western Macedonia, dating from the last week of April.
The range of this species is very small and centered close to Lake Prespa, a large body of water which straddles the Greek/Albanian border. It is not currently known from any other part of Greece, nor does it occur across the border in Albania. O. prespaensis is variable and can often be difficult to distinguish from other local Ophrys, notably O. leucophthalma and O. hansreinhardii. Some authorities believe the species to be of hybridogenous origin with these two taxons as ancient parents. Despite its very limited distribution, it occurs in substantial numbers at elevations above 900m
O. prespaensis typically exhibits a wide stigmatic cavity, light green/yellowish perianth and white lined, steel blue speculum. The protuberences can vary from small to well developed and the lip dark red to dark brown. Full species status is justified by its unique pollinator.
It first appears at the beginning of April and flowers through untill mid May. The single photo is from a site near the abandoned village of Trivouno in Western Macedonia, dating from the last week of April.
