This orchid with a mainly western, strictly Mediterranean distribution, is present in Liguria, Emilia-Romagna and in all regions of Central, Southern and Insular Italy. It grows in the gaps of Mediterranean garrigues, in meadows and dry grasslands, but sometimes also in habitats which are humid at least in the winter or spring, as along the margins of ephemeral pools and marshes, from sea level to about 1200 m. The species is common in the outer belt of the temporary ponds of Sardinia, in contact with perennial grasslands. The genus name, already used by Dioscorides and Pliny to indicate some orchids, derives from Serapis, the Egyptian god of fertility; the species name, that in Latin means 'tongue', refers to the shape of the labellum. Flowering period: March to May.

Italian name(s): Cerfojetta (Piemonte), Pizzingurdu (Sicilia, Etna), Serapide lingua (Italia).