[1] Like its sister species, E. viridissima is one of dozens of species in the genus with bright metallic blue-green coloration, in addition to long mouthparts which extend below their bodies, though its range extends farther north than any congeners.

[1] Members of E. viridissima are described as being medium sized, having bright metallic green coloration, and long proboscis.

[3][4][5] Bees belonging to E. viridissima may be uniquely identified from E. dilemma via the appearance of their mandibles.

[7][9] Additionally, it was believed that members of E. viridissima would be reliant upon their host orchids, preventing them from leaving.

[6] An inactive nest, or egg-bearing female may have stowed away on a cargo ship, which allowed E. viridissima to establish itself within southern Florida and spread further.

[6] As this species is quite bright and colorful, it leads scientists to believe that it has only recently arrived and established itself within the United States.

[11][10] During this second cycle, the mother will enlist the aid of her daughters, who will take on the role of defending the nest and foraging.

[10][11] The daughters may change roles with each other depending on social conditions, ability to defend the nest, or available energy.

[12] Non-social nests tend to be smaller, have greater rates of failure, and produce slightly more females than males.

[12] Additionally, when daughters are present to act as a guard, rates of theft from nests decreases significantly.