Orchid bees

Definition

A tribe of corbiculate bees (Euglossini) in which males are renowned for collecting aromatic volatiles—often from orchid flowers, rotting wood, or fungal substrates—to store in specialized leg pockets and later display during mating. Unlike other corbiculate lineages, non-parasitic orchid bees are predominantly solitary or communal rather than eusocial, though some species exhibit weak social tendencies. Their intimate mutualisms with orchids, particularly in the Neotropics, make them flagship organisms for studying perfume-based sexual selection and plant-pollinator coevolution.

Etymology

From the intimate association of males with orchid flowers for fragrance collection; 'orchid' ultimately from Greek orchis (testicle), referring to the flower's root tubers.

Example

Male Euglossa dilemma can spend hours scraping fragrances from the petals of Catasetum orchids, then hover in leks where females assess their chemical portfolios.

Synonyms

• euglossine bees
• Euglossini

Related Terms

• corbiculate bees
• eusociality
• lekking
• pollination mutualism
• Sexual selection
• Apinae

Usage Notes

The common name refers to behavior, not exclusive diet; orchid bees also visit non-orchid sources for fragrances. 'Euglossine' is the preferred technical adjective. Do not confuse with orchid pollinators in general—many orchids are serviced by diverse bee taxa.