Identification
Similar Species
The orchids that are most similar are Dactylorhiza maculata. D. maculata ssp. maculata is distinguished by having the lip less deeply trilobed, while Dactylorhiza maculata subsp. saccifera is distinguished by having one spur large and saccular (sac-shaped) and the bracts of the inflorescence as long as or longer than the flowers. Outside of the "maculata group" a species very similar D. fuchsii is Dactylorhiza majalis which is distinguished by the following characters: the spots of the leaves are less elongated, the bracts of the inflorescence are longer and the lower transcend the inflorescence itself;it tends to be less cylindrical (a little 'more globular), the stem is hollow (not solid) and the leaves are slightly larger. Amongst other similar orchids are Dactylorhiza incarnata (L.) Soo and Dactylorhiza lapponica (Hartm.) Soo. These stand out as the habitat is quite different ( fens and bogs ) and in any case the stem is hollow.
Read more about this topic: Common Spotted Orchid