Orchid bee (Euglossa sp.)

Orchid bee Euglossa sp.
A male orchid bee (Euglossa sp.) on a rotting dead trunk of an avocado tree near Antigua Guatemala. Male orchid bees (Euglossini) have enlarged tibia of the hind legs, which harbor pockets for storing highly fragrant substances. These are collected during visits to specific orchid flowers but also on the surface of rotten wood and feces. After further processing these substances and concentrating the fragrance, males release those during territorial hover flights to attract females. Learn more about orchid bees in: Roubik & Hanson (2004) Orchid bees of tropical America: biology and field guide. InBio, Santo Domingo, Costa Rica.

Overview: nature around Antigua Guatemala in 2022

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