Orchid Bee

Description:

A brillant metallic green Orchid Bee of the Family Apidae, Euglossini. It was deep inside a tubular flower (last 2 pictures). It was speckled with pollen and was holding on tightly to one of the stamen stalks. It was also holding on to the stalk with it's mandibles, apparently a common "sleeping" behavior in these bees. There are many orchid species in San Cristobal which are blooming this time of the year.

Habitat:

Inside a flower hanging on the fence of a garden. Semi-urban area on the outskirts of the city, 2,200 meters. The flower is the Pink Trumpet Vine (Podranea ricasoliana) of the Family Bignoniaceae.

Notes:

Orchids which are pollenated by Euglossine bees are pollenated only by the males. Males also have the very peculiar and unique behavior of collecting flower fragrances into a special groove on the hind legs which is used as an attractant for females. Females collect pollen, nectar and mud for their small nests, inhabited only by related females (daughters and sisters). Males leave the nest and never return. This bee was therefore possibly a male, sleeping for the night in the flower he was found in. The flower is the Pink Trumpet Vine (Podranea ricasoliana) of the Family Bignoniaceae.