Μελισσούι, Όφρυς η σφηκοειδής υποείδος η ταυρική
Etymology of Ophrys sphegodes subspecies taurica: The name of the genus "Ophrys" comes from the Αncient Greek word "ὀφρύς" which means "eyebrow" and represents the hairy edge of the flower bud found in many species. Sphegodes comes from the Ancient Greek "σφηκοειδής" [sfikoides] for "wasp-like". The subspecies Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica is named after the Tauric Peninsula (modern-day Crimea) in Ukraine where it is found.
It is estimated that at least 31 Ophrys taxa (species, subspecies and hybrids) have been discovered in Cypriot nature so far.
Synonyms: Ophrys sphegodes subspecies taurica was previously known as Ophrys adonidis, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. mammosa, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. alasiatica, Ophrys mammosa subsp. mouterdeana, Ophrys cypricola, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. aeculapiiformis, Ophrys sintenisii, Ophrys sphegodes subsp. sphegodes.
Ophrys sphegodes subspecies taurica reaches up to 50cm tall. It has green sepals, sometimes tinged red. It appears up to a maximum altitude of 675 metres. It is a very common orchid in Cyprus flowering from February until April (sometimes in January as well).
