Orchid Bees

by Karinluise Calasant

Have you noticed any beautiful, metallic green and blue bees hovering around your flowers? Those are orchid bees, Euglossa viridissima. They were first noticed in a Fort Lauderdale garden about seven years ago. This species of bee has naturalized in South Florida. Primarily an orchid pollinator in its native Central America, the bees in S. Florida are known to visit about 100 plant species here.

The males collect aromatic compounds in special hind leg pockets which attract females. The females collect resin from certain flowers to seal their eggs. These bees can fly up to 30 miles from flower to nest, which is quite a feat for an insect only about an inch long! These beautiful flying jewels are gentle and not aggressive. In the sunshine they resemble flying emeralds.

I first noticed these bees a couple of years ago. Last year, one was flying in and out of a whimsical, little bird house we had hanging in our gatehouse. The house was much too small for any bird but perfect for the orchid bee! Carefully prying the roof off I discovered vertical rows of larvae sealed with amber resin! The young eventually hatched, and now populate the garden. They are especially fond of our naturalized orchids, palm blooms and other highly-scented flowers.