Bee orchid

Bee orchid. ( Ophrys apifera).
Fascinating and unmistakeable. They have evolved a flower which looks like a bee. It even feels furry.
The idea is to persuade a real bee to land on it and take some pollen, along with its disappointment, to another nearby flower.
Although I read that if no bees come they can be self pollinating.

This one is growing in an old quarry which is now a nature reserve. A few years ago there were just one or two plants struggling to survive. Now, I am pleased to report, there is a healthy colony.