![Bee Orchid](/sites/default/files/styles/node_hero_default/public/2018-01/BeeOrchid%20%28c%29%20Dawn%20Monrose.jpg?h=cade029e&itok=4rSBW71M)
Bee orchid ©Dawn Monrose
Bee orchid
Scientific name: Ophrys apifera
The bee orchid is a sneaky mimic - the flower’s velvety lip looks like a female bee. Males fly in to try to mate with it and end up pollinating the flower. Sadly, the right bee species doesn’t live here, so this orchid is self-pollinated in the UK.
Species information
Statistics
Height: up to 30cmConservation status
Protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife Order, 1985.