This single specimen of Ophrys scolpax was growing amongst other plants in a wide cleft of a limestone pavement; the orchid is small and delicate; it is similar in appearance to the commoner O. apifera but can be distinguished by the forward projecting “horns” at the sides of the flower.

Most members of the ophry genus, the bee orchids, are named after the insect which pollinates them, but Ophrys scolo pax has a descriptive name as its complex colours and pattern is thought to resemble the plumage of the small gamebird. The delightful Greek common name, paskalitsa refers to its resemblance to a ladybird.