Euglossa

The genus Euglossa belongs to the tribe Euglossini, commonly known as orchid bees. These brightly colored bees, with metallic blues, greens, and bronzes, are vital pollinators in New World tropical forests. They are distinguished by their exceptionally long tongues, some reaching up to 1.6 inches, which enable them to access deep floral structures, particularly those of over 700 species of orchids.1

Primarily, male orchid bees visit orchids, not to feed on nectar or pollen, but to collect fragrant chemicals. These collected scents are believed to be crucial for attracting females, signaling the male's foraging success and longevity. Female Euglossa bees, on the other hand, are often observed collecting mud for their nests. These nests are typically small and house either a mother with her daughters or only sisters. Unlike honeybees, they do not produce or store honey and lack a queen.1