Eufriesea Orchid Bees

Genus Eufriesea

These bees are readily recognized by their large, robust body with frequently metallic coloration that ranges from black to blue or green with yellow, reddish, or purple iridescence. They play important role in pollination of orchids and many other plants. Males visit orchid flowers, among others, to collect essentials oils that are then carried and modified in their metatibiae, and which are presumably used to attract females.