The Burren, Co. Clare. © Patrick Slavin

Fly Orchid Ophrys insectifera Magairlín na gcuileanna Family: Orchidaceae Flowering time: May-June. Perennial. Native. The narrow spikes of deep violet-brown flowers with green sepals have a bi-lobed narrow lip resembling a fly, with a violet-blue patch. The lip is occasionally greenish or whitish and the flowers are pollinated by male Gorytes wasps. A slender plant with narrow linear-lanceolate shiny-green leaves. Height 20-60cm. Classed as Near Threatened and only found in open calcareous fens and flushes in western and central Ireland.

Fly Orchid, Ophrys insectifera, Magairlín na gcuileanna