News Animals

Humidity makes these bees turn green

Moist air makes these insects shift from blueish to greenish like living mood rings

An iridescent bee is shown before and after being exposed to humidity. On the left, the bee is greenish gold, and on the right, the bee is a darker blue-green

A museum specimen of the fine striped sweat bee changes color as it goes from blue-green in dry air (right) to green-copper in humid air (left). Most of the color change occurs in the first 24 hours.

Jorge De La Cruz

By Jake Buehler

When the weather gets muggy, iridescent bees shift their metallic hue.

The insects are a rich blue-green when ambient humidity is low.