Green orchid bees are a fascinating species known for their striking metallic-green coloration and large size. Found primarily in the Americas, there are around 200 different known species of these bees, with new ones being discovered every year. These bees’ distinctive coloring can vary, with some displaying brilliant blue, purple, red, or gold shades.
While these bees may be captivating, it’s natural for people to wonder if they possess the ability to sting. In the green orchid bee family, only females have a stinger. However, they are generally quite timid and not prone to stinging unless provoked.
If you’ve found yourself up close and personal with a green orchid bee, it’s important to remain calm. Swatting at the bee may increase the likelihood of getting stung. Although a sting from a green orchid bee is regarded to be less painful than that of a honey bee, it’s still best to avoid any potential discomfort by giving them space.
Green Orchid Bees Overview
Distribution and Habitat
Green orchid bees, belonging to the tribe Euglossini, are mostly found in the tropical rainforests of Mexico, Central America, and South Florida. Some species have been spotted as far north as the United States, and they have a strong presence in countries like Panama and Costa Rica1.
Description and Appearance
These bees display a striking metallic green appearance, with their wing membranes being darkened yet transparent. The genera within the tribe include Eufriesia, Euglossa, Eulaema, Exaerete, and Aglae, coming in different colors such as blue, purple, red, gold, and brassy2.
Male and Female Bees
Differences between male and female green orchid bees include:
- Males have longer antennae, while females have shorter ones
- Males collect fragrances from flowers to attract females for mating, while females visit flowers for nectar and pollen
- Female bees have a stinger, while male bees do not
Here is a comparison table showing some key differences between male and female green orchid bees:
| Feature | Male Bees | Female Bees |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | Long | Short |
| Main function | Attract females | Collect nectar/pollen |
| Stinger | Absent | Present |
Some unique characteristics of green orchid bees include:
- Green metallic coloration
- Darkened, transparent wing membranes
- Attractive fragrances collected by male bees
- Strong presence in tropical rainforests
Behavior and Ecology
Pollination and Mutualism
Green orchid bees are important pollinators of orchids and other plants. They collect nectar and pollen using mop-like protrusions on their legs that efficiently transfer pollen between flowers. Orchids, in particular, have a unique relationship with these bees as they use their fragrance to attract the bees.
- Important pollinators of orchids and other plants
- Collect nectar and pollen using mop-like protrusions
- Fragrance of orchids attracts green orchid bees
Nesting and Reproduction
Green orchid bees, like many neotropical orchid bees, are solitary, meaning they build solitary nests and do not live in colonies. These bees prefer to nest in tree cavities and other enclosed spaces.
- Solitary nests
- Prefer tree cavities or enclosed spaces for nesting
Males Attracting Mates
Male green orchid bees create a unique “bouquet” of volatile compounds to attract female mates. They collect aromatic substances from various sources, such as orchids or tree resin, and store these fragrant compounds in specialized pouches on their legs. When ready to mate, males release the compounds to attract prospective mates.
- Males create a bouquet of volatile compounds to attract mates
- Collect aromatic substances from various sources
- Store fragrant compounds in specialized pouches on legs
| Feature | Green Orchid Bees |
|---|---|
| Pollinators | Orchids, other plants |
| Nesting Preference | Tree cavities, enclosed spaces |
| Mating Strategy | Males create a unique bouquet of volatile compounds |
This section has provided an overview of green orchid bees’ behavior and ecology, focusing on their role in pollination and mutualism, nesting and reproduction, and how males attract mates using fragrant compounds. The bees play a vital role in the pollination of orchids and other plants, as their unique features and behaviors contribute to their ecological interactions.
Do Green Orchid Bees Sting
Comparing Stingers in Bees and Wasps
Green orchid bees, like most bees, do have stingers, but only the females are capable of stinging. In contrast, wasps have stingers in both males and females. Here’s a comparison table for a better understanding:
| Green Orchid Bees | Wasps | |
|---|---|---|
| Females | Can sting | Can sting |
| Males | Cannot sting | Can sting |
Besides stingers, honey bees, bumble bees, and wasps have different levels of aggression and response to predators. While honey bees can only sting once and then die, bumble bees and wasps can sting multiple times. Orchid bees are often quite timid in stinging compared to their more aggressive counterparts, like wasps.
Aggressive Behavior
- Green orchid bees are fast and agile, darting from flower to flower while hovering in between, and are not typically aggressive.
- Aggressive bees, such as some wasps, can be angered by sweat, perfume, or discarded food.
It is important to remain calm when encountering any stinging insect, as overreacting might provoke an attack. In the case of green orchid bees, they are generally harmless and will not sting unless provoked or threatened. However, in rare instances, their sting could trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. It is best to maintain a respectful distance when observing them and appreciate their beauty from afar.
Species and Taxonomy
Euglossa Dilemma
The Euglossa dilemma is a green orchid bee that is quite eye-catching due to its large size and bright metallic-green coloration. Some of its features include:
- Size: about 1.3 cm in length, similar to a honey bee
- Appearance: metallic-green color, darkened transparent wing membranes
Eulaema
Eulaema is another orchid bee genus, known for their:
- Color: black and yellow
- Appearance: big and fuzzy
These bees are part of the Apidae family that consists of honey, bumble, carpenter, long-horned, and cuckoo bees.
Exaerete
The Exaerete orchid bees are:
- Size: as long as your finger
- Color: bright green
The shiny metallic green head and thorax are some of their distinct characteristics.
Comparison Table
| Genus | Size | Color | Appearance | Bee Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Euglossa | 1.3 cm | Metallic-green | Similar to honey bee | Apidae |
| Eulaema | Large | Black and yellow | Big and fuzzy | Apidae |
| Exaerete | Finger-length | Bright green | Shiny metallic green head and thorax | Apidae |
It is important to note that these bee genera belong to the Apidae family, which is distinct from the Halictidae family, the second-largest group of bees.
Potential Threats and Conservation
Habitat Loss
Green orchid bees, also known as harmony bees, face habitat loss due to human activities and climate change. Destruction of their natural habitats, such as decomposition of vegetation, affects the survival of young bees and the overall ecosystem balance. According to the University of Florida, their distribution throughout peninsular Florida highlights the importance of preserving these regions for their survival.
Invasion of Non-Native Species
Invasive non-native species pose a risk to harmony bees by disrupting their food sources and the ecological balance. For example, the introduction of honey bees from other regions could compete with green orchid bees for the same resources like nectar and propolis, a chemical produced by plants that bees use for various purposes.
Pros:
- Green orchid bees play a vital role in pollinating plants
- They maintain the balance of the ecosystem
Cons:
- Habitat loss threatens their survival
- Invasion of non-native species impacts their food sources
Comparison Table
| Green Orchid Bees | Non-Native Bees | |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Peninsular Florida | Worldwide |
| Role in Ecosystem | Pollinators | Pollinators |
| Conservation Need | High | Variable |
In conclusion, addressing habitat loss and limiting the invasion of non-native species is essential to protect green orchid bee populations and the ecosystems they support. It’s crucial to take steps towards conservation and maintain a balance in their natural environments.
Green Orchid Bees in the United States
West Palm Beach and Tampa
Green orchid bees are known for their bright metallic-green coloration and large size, usually about 1.3 cm in length1. They inhabit various regions in the United States, including West Palm Beach and Tampa. These bees are essential to local ecosystems for their pollination services.
Broward County and South Florida
Found throughout South Florida and Broward County, green orchid bees are a vital component of the region’s pollinator population2. Their unique features include:
- Darkened, transparent wing membranes
- Various colors, including blue, purple, red, and gold
A comparison of the green orchid bees found in these locations is presented in the table below:
| Area | Green Orchid Bee Features |
|---|---|
| West Palm Beach | Large size, metallic-green |
| Tampa | Important pollinators |
| Broward County | Diverse coloration |
| South Florida | Significant pollinator |
Footnotes
22 Comments. Leave new
The thick, sticky substance blocking the entrance of your birdhouse is called Propolis, which bees produce to aid in constructing their hives. Bees normally use Propolis to limit the number of entrances to their hive (thereby making it easier to defend and limiting the size of intruders), seal cracks in the hive, or general water-proofing. Incidentally, propolis is one of the best things I’ve ever found to fix a hole in a bucket!
Thanks Eric, for this great household tip on Propolis.
It’s me again…almost 3 years later! And my birdhouse is STILL an active nest for the green orchid bee. I know they don’t live that long, so it must be successive bees. even though I’ve learned they are solitary and only females do nests, I have on many occasions seen 2 bees using this nest…most often 1 guarding the hole and another coming back with it’s back legs carrying little yellow sacs. Sometimes there will be no observed activity (opening and closing of hole) for days or even a week or 2 at a time, other times the hole is opened and closed more than once a day, but it’s always closed at night! This birdhouse is right next to my front door, so I’ve been able to observe activity lots over the last 3 years! I named her BEA and her name is now on her house!
Thanks for following up with us Linda. Though the Green Orchid Bee is a solitary bee, they do tend to nest communally, with each female providing for her own brood, but often in close proximity to other nesting females.
I too have discovered orchid bees nesting in a bird house on my patio. I posted this question in your comments section. I’m concerned because the bird house sits low and very close to people and my dog. I don’t necessarily want to disturb their home but I don’t want any of us to get stung for getting too close to their nest. Anyone have advice? Thanks in advance.
We haven’t heard of anyone getting stung by an Orchid Bee. They are not aggressive.
Thanks and I’m glad to know they aren’t aggressive. Still I’m nervous for my dog. Now that she has watched me looking at this nest her interest in it has grown. Just tonight she had her nose all over it. I would like to move it to a higher and safer location. Will they be able to find their home? I don’t want to move it far, just higher and away from dog level. Any advice? Thanks.
Here’s My experience with the Orchard Green Bee
On my weekly walk on the beach in. Florida
I noticed a green object in the sand ahead
I thought it was a gemstone but it turned out
It was a bee struggling in the surf so I picked it up to save its life and placed it in the dunes on a plant The green bee turned his head to look at me shook his wings an flew off … just a few days ago I heard this intense buzzing at my
Front door it was an green Ochard. Bee
I have one as well
2 yrs now
I still have mine 4 years later. I added a second bird house to a higher shelf on the plant stand and it wasn’t long before an orchid bee made her home there. Now we have an orchid bee townhouse! I love them.
I have a bird box with the front hole covered in what looks like a spider web.
This covering has a hole in it about 10mm dia. having searched I wandered if it could be one of these insects?
Blue tits originally went into the box but never nested in it.
I live in Camberley Surrey UK
I have lots on my Basil in Manatee Co FL
Defiantly a bee!
Location: Plantation, FL
October 26, 2017
My son found two of this in his bedroom. I believe I brought them into the house 6 weeks ago just before Hurricane Irma arrived. I had taken down a small bird house my son made as part of a scout merit badge. I had placed it in a shelf in his room.
Have one here in St Augustine
Florida
Sept 2018
Orchid bees are eating away the paint and caulk of pine bannisters near my front door. How do I get them to leave my home alone? The home is for sale and the black gunk looks pretty bad. Any advice to get them to find another place to feed?
I am in The Bahamas and first saw one of these about 5 months ago. It appeared out of no where and hovered in front of me almost motionless apart from it’s wings moving then darted straight up and hovered for a moment again then took off with great speed out of sight. Today there were about 8 going feverishly at the wild orchids which had recently opened.
I would like to upload a photo if someone can tell me how.
These bees are green orchid bees. It is thought they were transported to the States from Mexico by accident. They are not aggressive and only the female can sting. The pics are of male bees collecting fragrances. The males bees have an enlarged section on their hind legs (tibia)and spend most of their time gathering scented oils from various plants and collecting the scents in there hind leg pouches. Then they the attract the female by fanning there wings and spreading the scent into the air.
Ref.:https://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/BEES/green_orchid_bee.htm
Mine keep nesting in my outdoor electrical boxes. Always gives me quite a fright when I go to plug in seasonal lights. Any suggestions on how to get them to nest somewhere else?
Hi. I spotted a green bee in Vero Beach, fl.
First time I’ve noticed one.
I just saw this exact bee in Tampa, FL
I saw one on my verbena plant in Lake Placid Florida.
April 28, 2022
Hi, I’m so glad to read all these posts. I now know what I have living in my birdhouse in our kid’s fort. We have had the holes covered up and were afraid to break it open. We have seen the bee and he is green and very bright. Thank you for all this information. We have an orchid bee house.