Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica

'Ophrys sphegodes'' subsp. taurica, with many synonyms, including Ophrys caucasica''', is a subspecies of orchid native from southeast Europe through the Caucasus to Iran. As Ophrys caucasica, it has been recorded in numerous areas throughout Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia. Local names include, xarı-bülbül and ფუტკრის-დედა.

According to the IUCN Red List, the category and status of the species is "Endangered" – EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Description
During various stages of growth, the white petals of Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica turn into pink, where various colors (green, yellow, red, etc.) merge together. There are also patterns on the lip.

Distribution
Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica is widely distributed. In southeast Europe, it is found in Albania, Bulgaria, East Thrace, Greece, Crimea, Romania and former Yugoslavia. In Western Asia, it is found in Crete, Cyprus, the East Aegean Islands, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, the Palestine region and Turkey. It is also native to the North Caucasus and the South Caucasus.

Local etymology
In Armenian, its native name (sardakir mexvakir) refers to its primary pollinators, spiders (sard) and bees (mexu) and their food (kir).

Khara in Azerbaijani is a thick and shiny fabric with different patterns on it, that changes its colors when look at from different angles. Because of these characteristics, the plant acquired its Azerbaijani name, which translates as 'khara nightingale'. The spelling of the word khara becomes khari by requirement of the law of harmony in Azerbaijani.

Culture
In 2014, an exhibition titled "Khari bulbul, a flower of peace and love" was organized by the Federal National Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis in Russia. In March 2014, a presentation ceremony involving Ophrys sphegodes subsp. taurica took place in the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory.