# Dilemma Orchid Bee (*euglossa dilemma*) The Dilemma Orchid Bee is a tiny insect that loves to collect shiny things! It helps flowers grow by spreading their pollen while buzzing from one bloom to another. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Tropical forests and gardens - **Also known as:** Dilemma Bee, Euglossa Bee, Orchid Bee ![Dilemma Orchid Bee](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Green_Orchid_Bee_%28now_classified_as_Euglossa_dilemma%29_%286266146378%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Green_Orchid_Bee_%28now_classified_as_Euglossa_dilemma%29_%286266146378%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Dilemma Orchid Bee has a stunning, metallic emerald-green body that shimmers with iridescent blues or coppery hints in sunlight. It boasts large, dark eyes and a remarkably long proboscis, making it visually distinct from common honeybees. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Apidae - **Genus:** Euglossa ## Interesting facts - Males collect perfumes from orchids and store them in their special leg pouches! - Their dazzling metallic bodies reflect sunlight, making them look like flying jewels. - They use their amazing flight skills to dart through dense tropical forests. - Unlike most bees, many orchid bees are solitary, living all by themselves. ## Special abilities - **Scent Alchemist:** Dilemma Orchid Bee males collect unique flower fragrances because these 'perfumes' help them attract a mate! - **Deep Nectar Diver:** Dilemma Orchid Bee has an extra-long tongue that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside complex orchid flowers. - **Agile Aviator:** Dilemma Orchid Bee can fly incredibly fast and hover precisely, allowing them to dodge predators and sip nectar. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 18-25 mm - **Size:** 10-13 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 25 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 - **Colony Size:** 1 ## Diet & Feeding These bees love to sip on flower nectar for energy and collect pollen for protein! - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Pollen, Tree sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Tiger Stanhopea Orchid (*Stanhopea tigrina*) — Males collect fragrance for courtship displays. - **Pollinates:** Flask-Shaped Catasetum (*Catasetum integerrimum*) — Males are attracted to its unique orchid scents. - **Pollinates:** Surinam Cherry (*Eugenia uniflora*) — Adults feed on its abundant nectar and pollen. - **Eaten by:** Green Anole (*Anolis carolinensis*) — Lizards are opportunistic predators of various insects. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dilemma Orchid Bee? Compare the antennae, wings, waist, body hair and legs. Yellow and black stripes show up on bees, wasps and harmless mimics alike. Bee & Wasp Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Dilemma Orchid Bee's wingspan? 18-25 mm ### How big is Dilemma Orchid Bee? 10-13 mm ### How long does Dilemma Orchid Bee live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Dilemma Orchid Bee fly? 25 km/h ### What does Dilemma Orchid Bee eat? These bees love to sip on flower nectar for energy and collect pollen for protein! ### Where is Dilemma Orchid Bee usually found? Tropical forests and gardens ### How does Dilemma Orchid Bee hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Harry P. Leu Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/harry-p-leu-gardens) — Florida, US · Botanical Garden - [Senator Beth Johnson Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/senator-beth-johnson-park) — Florida, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Dilemma Orchid Bee: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dilemma-orchid-bee)