Jewel of the Jungle – Orchid Bee on Spadix

A dazzling green orchid bee (Euglossini sp.) clings to the textured spadix of a tropical flower in Costa Rica. These bees are known for collecting fragrant compounds from orchids — a behavior unique among bees and thought to play a role in mating rituals. Their metallic sheen and rapid flight make them tricky subjects, but endlessly rewarding to photograph.