Sweat and Furrow Bees

Halictinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Halictinae: /həˈlɪktɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

T5-longitudinal-medial-slit by Mykalarobertson. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Augochlorella pomoniella, F, face, Zion Nation Park, Utah 2013-12-30-14.45.35 ZS PMax (21956576228) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Augochlorella aurata 1563 by Jomegat. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Augochlorella aurata 25811480 by Ben Armstrong. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Augochloropsis anonyma1 by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.
Augochlora pura (33759089078) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Halictinae are a diverse subfamily of bees within the family Halictidae, known for their varied social structures ranging from solitary to eusocial nesting behaviors. They play crucial ecological roles as pollinators and are important for studies on the evolution of social behavior in insects.

Physical Characteristics

Small to medium-sized bees characterized by a modified ovipositor that forms a venomous sting.

Identification Tips

Different genera can be identified by varying patterns in wing venation and body shape; species within Lasioglossum are distinguished by weakened outer wing venation.

Habitat

Burrows in banks or the ground, often in areas with access to blooming flowers.

Distribution

Over 400 species in 10 genera across North America; approximately 3,500 species worldwide in 55 genera.

Diet

Pollen feeders that mass provision their young with pollen and nectar.

Life Cycle

Life cycle involves distinct stages from egg to larva to pupa, culminating in adulthood. Most species exhibit varied social behaviors, including solitary and eusocial.

Reproduction

Some species exhibit primitive eusociality with a single female guarding the burrow entrance; reproductive females lay eggs in cells provisioned with pollen.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators, contributing to the diversity and stability of plant communities, especially in ecosystems where they are abundant.

Evolution

Eusociality evolved approximately 20 to 22 million years ago, marking recent divergence relative to other hymenopterans.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about the social complexity, particularly that all Halictinae species are eusocial when many are solitary or communally nesting.

Tags

  • Halictidae
  • bee
  • Hymenoptera
  • pollinator
  • social behavior