Ophrys sphegodes, commonly known as the early spider-orchid,[2] is a species of sexually-deceptive orchid native to Europe and the Middle East.

Found on unimproved alkaline meadows, woodland edges,[3] as well as slopes, banks[4] and waste land.

[1] In Britain, it is restricted to parts of Dorset, Hampshire, Kent and Sussex and is regarded as rare although where it is found it may be in stands of many hundreds of plants.

Despite its apparent vulnerability, it has very successfully colonised the chalk spoil dumping grounds created near Dover at Samphire Hoe from the excavations of the Channel Tunnel.

[8] Ophrys comes from the Ancient Greek for eyebrow, perhaps a reference to the velvety brown appearance of the labellum.