O. sancti-isidorii
was first described as a subspecies from the Aegean island of Chios by
Saliaris and Alibertis in 2010. It was subsequently promoted to full
species status by Delforge in 2015, Its name refers to Isidore, a Chios
martyr who was tortured to death by the then Roman Emperor.
This newly recognized species can be found on most of the eastern Aegean islands and probably western Turkey. In its typical form its lip is distinctively shaped with wide sinuses and thick yellow margins reminiscent of the later flowering O. blitopertha. The external walls of the stigmatic cavity are bright yellow and this colouration often extends down to the basal prominences. It is however variable and the key characteristic by which it can be distinguished is its flowering period which runs from late January through to early April.
This species inhabits a wide range of habitats from full sun to light shade but invariably on dry calcareous soils. It is known to be something of a mountaineer and can be found at altitudes up to 1500m. The picture comes from Samos, dating from the last week of March at which time they were beginning to fade.
This newly recognized species can be found on most of the eastern Aegean islands and probably western Turkey. In its typical form its lip is distinctively shaped with wide sinuses and thick yellow margins reminiscent of the later flowering O. blitopertha. The external walls of the stigmatic cavity are bright yellow and this colouration often extends down to the basal prominences. It is however variable and the key characteristic by which it can be distinguished is its flowering period which runs from late January through to early April.
This species inhabits a wide range of habitats from full sun to light shade but invariably on dry calcareous soils. It is known to be something of a mountaineer and can be found at altitudes up to 1500m. The picture comes from Samos, dating from the last week of March at which time they were beginning to fade.
