Clay Bolt's Image

Clay Bolt (USA) is dazzled by an orchid bee as it collects aromatic compounds from a leaf.

Clay has spent many years photographing tropical bees. He uses organic scents mixed by scientists to attract and survey butterflies and moths.

He had seconds to photograph this bee as it stood collecting oils before it buzzed away in search of more scents from orchids and other plants.

Male orchid bees are major pollinators of about 700 species of orchids throughout the American tropics. They collect aromatic oils rather than nectar when they visit the flowers.

The males absorb these oils into spongy tissues inside their back legs. It’s thought that females are attracted to males with the most complex blend of scents. These males have shown their strength in being able to fly great distances to collect a variety of fragrances.