Orchid bees (Euglossa spp.) typically spend their time in the canopy where they collect plant fragrances with specialized brush-feet on their forelegs. These are then transferred to into slits on the highly modified hind-legs wherein lies an absorbant, spongy material which sequesters the volatile esters. The males, the only ones to engage in this behaviour are thought to subsequently release these fragrances to attract females in the understory. Methyl salicylate and cineole present in some essential oils were used to attract the bees for these photos in the Brazilian Amazon.
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