Further observations on the correct name of Late Spider Orchid

As reported by the present authors (Lewis & Kreutz 2022: 331–332), there is a long-standing lack of agreement as to whether Ophrys holoserica, O. holosericea or O. fuciflora is the correct name for Late Spider Orchid. Following a detailed consideration of the relevant published documents and the advice of three leading experts on interpretation of the relevant provisions of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code) (2018) (ICN) we concluded that the effective type of Ophrys holosericea is the illustration of Late Spider Orchid in figs. 1–4, 6 and 8 of Haller (1768: t.24) which was designated as lectotype by Cribb & Wood (1981: 28) subsequently corrected to neotype, and that accordingly the correct name for Late Spider Orchid is Ophrys holosericea (Burm. f.) Greuter. This conclusion was contested in a critical review by Blatt (2024: 132–142). In particular, he contended that: (a) neither the Cribb & Wood’s lectotype nor its correction to neotype is effective because the designated illustration depicts more than one specimen and also more than one taxon; (b) contrary to the present authors’ previous conclusion, the illustration of a Bee Orchid designated by Wirth & Blatt (1988: 15) is “original material” and is therefore the effective lectotype, thus making O. holoseric(e)a a later synonym of O. apifera; and (c) accordingly, the correct name of Late Spider Orchid is Ophrys fuciflora (F. W. Schmidt) Moench. However, the reasons on which these contentions are based are not well-founded. Accordingly, the correct name for the Late Spider Orchid is Ophrys holosericea (Burm. f.) Greuter, as previously concluded by the present authors.