Ophrys numida ?  

Ophrys numida P.DEVILLERS & J.DEVILLERS-TERSCHUREN (2000) was described as a species from Northern Africa in Natural.Belges 81,3 (Orchid.13) p.297. The flower is similar to that of Ophrys sicula, but the stem is often stronger.

DELFORGE (2000) mentions that Ophrys numida is also available in Sizily, and that the labellum of the Sicilian Ophrys numida has often a wider red-brown zone between speculum and yellow edge, which is not the case for the Northern African orchids. But these orchids, as shown on the first image, seem to belong to Ophrys sicula.

In between GÜGEL disputed the existence of Ophrys numida in Sizily. Eventually the plants on the lower photos are identical with Ophrys lepida, which has been described from Sardinia, but that's not yet sure.

Most probably Ophrys sicula ?, Sicily Niscemi 2.4.98	Ophrys numida or sicula ?, Sicily Piazza Armerina 3.4.98 (unfortunately not sharp)
Ophrys numida ?, partly sicula ?, Sicily Ficuzza 4/04 Photos: Helmut Presser
Ophrys numida ?, Sicily Ficuzza 18.4.92 Photo: Helmut Presser
	Rev.: 8.Jan.2008
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