Dilemma/Green Orchid Bee
Dennis Mayo Dennis Mayo
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 Published On Aug 31, 2021

Euglossa dilemma, the dilemma or green orchid bee is a Central American bee that was first detected in Broward County, Florida in 2003. This large and bright iridescent metallic-green bee is capable of hovering for long periods but is also a very fast and agile flyer that quickly darts from flower to flower. Most are about the size of a honey bee with females possessing a stinger while the males do not. Even though females can sting they are quite reluctant to do so. The sting is less painful than that of a honey bee but unlike honey bees they can sting repeatedly.

Orchid bees are primarily solitary bees only occasionally sharing communal nesting locations. Females construct nest cells in any type of enclosed cavity using resins collected from plants. After the the female finishes laying eggs and provisioning the cells with nectar and pollen, the mother seals off the entrance with resin and plant debris. Mature nests can contain up to 20 cells.

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