Subfamily Apinae Scientific name Eufriesea Order Hymenopterans | Tribe Euglossini Rank Genus | |
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Similar Euglossini, Eulaema, Exaerete, Bee, Euglossa | ||
Pollination of the orchid gongora bufonia by the orchid bee eufriesea violacea
Eufriesea is a genus of euglossine bees. Like all orchid bees, they are restricted to the Neotropics.
Contents
- Pollination of the orchid gongora bufonia by the orchid bee eufriesea violacea
- Distribution
- E purpurata
- Name
- Species
- References
All species range from entirely to at least partially metallic (the face and/or tegulae), though much of the body in some species may be brown/black in color and hairy.
Distribution
Eufriesea is the most widely distributed genus of euglossines. Specimens have been found from Mexico to central Argentina.
E. purpurata
At least one of its species, Eufriesea purpurata from Brazil, has been shown to selectively collect large quantities of the insecticide DDT without any apparent adverse effects. Individual bees were observed to collect as much as 2 mg, which is in the percent range of body weight. The males of orchid bees are known to collect aromatic fragrances from certain kinds of orchids, and it is thought that they use these in territorial display and courtship, probably as precursors of their own pheromones. Some orchid bees have also been found to collect fragrances from rotten wood.
Name
The genus is named after entomologist Heinrich Friese.
Species
The genus Eufriesea contains the following species:
