22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
An orchid bee with pollinia on its back
Lycomormium orchids depend on orchid bees for their pollination. Exclusively. The male bees visit the flowers to obtain a scent that they store in specialized organs in their legs in order to attract female bees. In so doing, the bees end up taking away a packe of pollen known as pollinia, well stuck on their backs.
Photo Detail
Date Taken: | 04.2023 |
Date Uploaded: | 12.2024 |
Photo Location: | Ecuador |
Camera: | DMC-FZ300 |
Copyright: | © Carlos Zorrilla |