 "Ophrys apifera" relies upon a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi in the genus "Tulasnella", and possibly other genera, to extract sufficient nutrient from the soil it grows in.This makes it vulnerable to chemicals, particularly fungicides, but also other chemical applications which could reduce the prevalence of "Tulasnella" fungi.This species of orchid is often threatened by mowing when it occurs during flowering or before seed has been released.