As I was about to take this photo of the first giant purple iris of the season, a green orchid bee photo-bombed — or should I say “bee bombed” — the image.
Native to Mexico and Central America, the metallic green bee was first spotted in Broward County, FL, in 2003. It’s now fully established, expanding its flower appetite from orchids to include other fragrant, pollen rich flowers — such as, apparently, irises.
Aside from its emerald coloring, the bee stands out among other bees because it’s solitary and doesn’t live in hives or colonies. Instead, it chooses to live alone in nooks and crannies above ground. In addition, the male green bee is responsible for pollinating flowers.
I know I have at least one or two buzzing around the yard. I’ve seen then, but they’re difficult to capture in a photo. They’re quite fast and skittish, often flying and hovering before zipping away as I approach.
Capturing this moment was a fantastic surprise — and a gift. It’s the little things, isn’t it?
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
Beautiful colors. Are they the same as Japanese beetles?
Hi Merilee… Thanks for commenting. This little green guy is a bee… so, no relation to a beetle… although their is a resemblance. The biggest difference, though, is that the Japanese beetle is destructive and the green orchid bee is a pollinator.
Thank you! He’s beautiful!
I love to have surprise bugs in my flower garden. The crazy weather in Iowa has the plants so confused. My husband and I spent 2 Weeks in Panama Beach with a glorious view of the Gulf. Got outta town before Spring Break crowds. Will be going back.
Hi Carol. I love surprises, too — but some surprises in south Florida are the surprises no one wants… usually an invasive pest. Even our weather here has been crazy this winter. Some orchids flowered before the cold snap, while others had buds that never opened. There’s always next year, I guess. Oh, and about those spring breakers. I believe colleges stagger their spring breaks to not overwhelm revelers’ destinations. For the month of March, I avoid Fort Lauderdale’s beach area… way too much chaos. Thanks for commenting — and enjoy Panama Beach!
Positively stunning! That photo needs to be entered into a juried show somewhere.
Hello Michele… shucks… thank you. I just love when everything aligns and all I had to do was snap a picture.
It sure is Kevin – Magnificent!