As nature’s living jewels, Green Orchid Bees captivate with their unique appearance and intriguing behavior. These beautiful insects can be found throughout the Americas, with about 200 known species displaying a dazzling mix of metallic colors, such as dark green, shiny blue, purple, red, gold, and brassy tones. You can learn more about these stunning creatures by exploring their habitat, behavior, and role in pollination.
Green Orchid Bees, belonging to the genera Eufriesia, Euglossa, Eulaema, Exaerete, and Aglae, typically have a large size, with some species being similar to or slightly smaller than a honey bee. Their vibrant, metallic-green coloration and dark, transparent wing membranes are just a few of the features that make them stand out from other bees. These striking insects serve important functions within their ecosystem, as they are vital pollinators of various types of plants, including the alluring and fascinating orchids.
Their attraction to flowers occurs due to their need for resources such as pollen and nectar, which is used for both their own sustenance and to support their offspring. Green Orchid Bees exemplify the beauty and diversity of the insect world while playing a crucial role in the environment. By getting to know these stunning creatures, you’ll undoubtedly develop an appreciation for their importance within our ecosystem.
The Green Orchid Bee: An Overview
Anatomy and Species
The Green Orchid Bee, scientifically known as Euglossa dilemma, is a species of bee known for its striking metallic-green coloration. This insect is around the same size as a honey bee, typically measuring about 1.3 cm in length. Its wing membranes are transparent but darkened, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Orchid bees exhibit a variety of shapes and colors across different species, such as:
- Eulaema: Fuzzy black and yellow
- Exaerete: Bright green and larger than others
- Euglossa: Metallic variants in blue, green, red, and gold
Natural Habitat
These bees are found exclusively in the Americas, particularly in regions like South America, Central America, and parts of North America. They act as important pollinators within various ecosystems, contributing to the growth of flowers, trees, and crops.
Life Cycle
The Green Orchid Bee’s life cycle consists of egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Similar to other bee species, male and female roles differ considerably. Males are known for collecting fragrances from their surroundings to attract females, whereas females focus on nesting and provisioning food for young.
Key features of Green Orchid Bees:
- Metallic-green coloration
- Size similar to honey bees
- Transparent, darkened wing membranes
- Exclusive to the Americas
- Important pollinators
Comparison Table
| Feature | Green Orchid Bee | Honey Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1.3 cm | 1.3-1.6 cm |
| Color | Metallic-green | Black-and-yellow-striped |
| Habitat | Americas | Worldwide |
| Role | Pollinators | Pollinators and honey producers |
Behavior and Mating
Solitary Behavior
Green Orchid Bees are a type of solitary bee. They do not live in large colonies like honey bees. Each female builds her own nest and takes care of her offspring independently.
Mating Rituals and Scents
Male Green Orchid Bees are attracted to scents from various sources like orchids and other aromatic plants. They collect these scents in specialized pouches on their hind legs and use them to attract females for mating. This unique process is also known as “perfume collecting.”
Flower Pollination
Green Orchid Bees are important pollinators of orchids and other tropical flowers. They have a long, specialized tongue for collecting nectar from deep within flowers. While feeding on nectar, they also transfer pollen between flowers, leading to pollination.
Characteristics of Green Orchid Bees:
- Solitary behavior
- Bright metallic colors
- Long tongue for nectar collection
- Males attracted to scents for mating
- Important pollinators for orchids and tropical flowers
Example of a Green Orchid Bee species:
- Euglossa dilemma: A species with a metallic-green coloration and found in North and Central America.
Comparison Table: Green Orchid Bee vs. Honey Bee
| Feature | Green Orchid Bee | Honey Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Social Behavior | Solitary | Colonial |
| Mating | Uses scents to attract | Mating flight |
| Pollination | Orchids & tropical plants | Variety of flowers |
| Tongue | Long & specialized | Shorter & less adapted |
Nesting and Dietary Preferences
Building Nest Sites
Green Orchid Bees are unique in their nesting behaviors. These non-aggressive insects are known to build nests using natural materials like plant resin, and propolis. They prefer to construct their nests in cavities, similar to carpenter bees, which differ from honey bees that form large hives above ground. Some examples of sites chosen include tree holes or hollow stems.
A Varied Diet
Orchid bees have specific dietary needs that include a variety of food sources, such as:
- Pollen: A primary food source for carrying protein.
- Nectar: Provides quick energy and helps in metabolizing pollen.
- Resin: Used for nest construction and to protect against predators.
- Human sweat: Occasionally, some species get attracted to minerals in sweat.
This diverse diet helps them meet their high-energy needs for survival and reproduction.
Orchids and Mutualism
One fascinating relationship exists between orchid bees and orchids. This mutualism involves the bee collecting fragrant compounds from the orchids, which are crucial for attracting mates. In return, the bee pollinates the orchid, assisting in its reproduction. This interdependence showcases a vital ecological role that these bees play in certain regions, such as in Broward County.
Comparison between Green Orchid Bee, Carpenter Bee, and Honey Bee:
| Feature | Green Orchid Bee | Carpenter Bee | Honey Bee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Building Material | Plant resin, propolis | Wood | Wax |
| Nest Location | Tree holes, hollow stems | Wood tunnels | Above ground hives |
| Diet | Pollen, nectar, resin, occasionally human sweat | Nectar, pollen | Pollen, nectar, honey |
| Aggressiveness | Non-aggressive | Rarely aggressive | Can be aggressive |
| Pollinator Role | Important for Orchid pollination, ecological role in certain areas | General flower pollination | Vital for crop pollination |
The Green Orchid Bee in the United States
Expansion in Florida
The Green Orchid Bee, known as Euglossa dilemma, is native to Central and South America, but has been spotted in various parts of Florida, such as West Palm Beach and Tampa. Scientists believe its expansion might be due to ornamental plant trade from countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
Adaptation and Ecosystem Impact
Green Orchid Bees are known for their metallic and vibrant colors. They play an essential role in pollination in their native ecosystems. As they adapt to Florida’s environment, their impact on local ecosystems is still being studied. However, they have shown great flexibility, and there isn’t any evidence of negative consequences on the local flora and fauna.
Invasive Species or Not
While the expansion of Green Orchid Bees is noticeable, they are not officially classified as an invasive species. They appear to coexist with native bees without significant disruption. The pros and cons of their presence in the United States are as follows:
Pros:
- Improved pollination of native plants.
- Encouragement of biodiversity.
Cons:
- Possibility of competition with native bee species.
- Potential future ecosystem disruption.
In conclusion, the Green Orchid Bee’s expansion in Florida and the United States is an interesting topic for scientists and entomologists alike. As of now, they are contributing to the local ecosystem without significant negative impact, but their influence on native species and ecosystems will continue to be closely monitored.
37 Comments. Leave new
I saw one of these on my cucumber flowers today. I live in Edmond, Okla. I was wondering if that is unusual. Wish I had my camera. I usually carry it with me in the garden.
I have found this bee in my pool in Evans County Ga for the past ten years. They never sting when I pick them up.
I have three wooden bird houses that have these green bees making hives in. They move unlike a normal honey bee; very quick and appear to move in 90 degree angles! I don’t want to kill them with a spray but my wife is allergic to bee stings. What can I do? should I put a garbage bag over the bird houses and take them out in the woods and drop them off?
To the best of our knowledge, Green Orchid Bees are not aggressive.
I just encountered these in my garden in beavercreek Ohio!
We think it is more likely you encountered a Metallic Green Sweat Bee.
I live in Montego Bay Jamaica and that bee is present here, we see it occasionally. In Jamaica we call them Money Bee as it is believed that when that bee appears around you it’s a sign of good luck and that you will receive some unexpected money which I have proven to be true for me. It is the reason why it is my favorite insect. Love that bee.
John, are you sure it’s a bee? The flight description sou D’s more like a fly. There are quite a few fly varieties that look like bees. They can be differentiated by the head shape & usually the way they fly.
I was stung by a green orchid bee a year ago . It flew into our car and under my sleeveless top. I got stung 3 times in my back. We never found a stinger. Now I have a small knot where it stung me. Sometimes it a little sore. How concern should I be.
We are not qualified to provide medical advice. Please see a physician if it continues to trouble you.
The Green Orchid bee has made its way up to Sarasota FL now. I have seen it a number of times in a conservatory behind my home. Today I decided to photograph it and video it since it’s so welcoming of getting up close.
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
awesome!
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.
Your sleuthing skills are impressive. We agree that the birdhouse was likely the transport into the home.
I can confirm Jim Barden’s claim, i saw one today, on 8-20-18, in my Sarasota backyard hovering and moving around like a hummingbird.
Have one here in St Augustine
Florida
Sept 2018
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.
We would love to post your images. You may submit them using the Ask WTB? link on our site.
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
I have some in my garden too. They like orchid.
Hi. I spotted a green bee in Vero Beach, fl.
First time I’ve noticed one.
I found one in Greene county PA. I don’t know if this is the same thing but looks the same kinda. I posted a video of it on my Facebook page look it up and let me know if this is it.
In Pennsylvania, we suspect you encountered a Metallic Green Sweat Bee.
I have seen a few of these over the past couple of years. They hang around the basil in my yard. (Bradenton)
Aqui no Brasil elas ficam nas flores de girasol
Aqui no Brasil vejo sempre dessas coisas verdes ,parece mosca!!!
I was stung on my foot by a green orchid bee today!
This bee keeps coming to the same rusty place on an old chair on my patio in Orlando FL.
Just saw one in my son’s patio. First time ever. Brilliant metallic green and definitely the shape of a bee. New Port Richey, FL.
The bee comes everyday at the same time 11:45 am to my white begonias on the pool deck to gather pollen. Beautiful and iridescent.
I have three orchid bees living in the coconuts on my front porch. I had never seen them before until I brought my orchids outside. They seal the coconut hole every night and open it up in the morning. So fun to watch. I’ve posted a video and pictures.
I have a small bird house that an orchid bee has been living. It seals the entry with a black tar like substance.
I live in Cape Town, South Africa and I just saw one of these Bees in my office! So BEAUTIUL!
Got one in clearwater fla
It is ln clearwater fla also