June 3, 2023

I am known as a Dilemma Orchid Bee

I'm metallic green and have large rear tibias

There's a hole in each tibia where I store fragrant compounds

To impress girl bees when "smells good" is boyfriend criteria.

Location: My yard, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/BEES/green_orchid_bee.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 17, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

I'm a male Dilemma Orchid Bee
I'm metallic green and I have a long tongue
I use my back legs to store perfume
To attract someone to bear my young.

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Green Orchid Bee

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson