[1][2] At least one species in this genus, Eufriesea purpurata from Brazil, has been shown to deliberately collect large quantities of the insecticide DDT without any apparent adverse effects.

Bees were observed to return to the walls of houses that had been recently sprayed with DDT and to collect the dried insecticide.

The males of orchid bees are known to collect aromatic fragrances from certain kinds of orchids, and it is thought that they use these in territorial display and courtship, probably as precursors of their own pheromones.

Some orchid bees have also been found to collect fragrances from rotten wood.

The genus is named after entomologist Heinrich Friese.