Augochlorine Green Sweat Bees and Allies
Augochlorini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Halictidae
- Subfamily: Halictinae
- Tribe: Augochlorini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Augochlorini: //ˈɔːɡoʊˌklɔːrɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Augochlorini are a diverse tribe of metallic green sweat bees found primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropic realms. They exhibit a range of colors and are important pollinators within their ecosystems, distinguished by specific physical and behavioral traits.
Physical Characteristics
Augochlorini typically exhibit metallic coloration, with many species appearing in colors such as red, gold, green, blue, or purple. The species can be identified by specific morphological traits such as the posterior face of the propodeum being smooth, the hind tibiae being shorter than the combined tarsal segments, and a distinguishable notch or angle on the inner margin of the eye. The 5th tergal segment also has a notch, which can be obscured by hair.
Identification Tips
To identify Augochlorini, look for the smooth propodeum, the presence of a notch or angle on the inner margin of the eye, and the unique notch on the 5th tergal segment. Distinguishing between genera such as Augochlora and Augochlorella requires examination of characters like the clypeus, apex of the marginal cell, and the tegula.
Habitat
Augochlorini are found primarily in the Nearctic and Neotropic realms, occupying a variety of habitats depending on the specific species.
Distribution
Over 580 species in 30 genera are known, with 16 species in 5 genera located in our area.
Diet
Augochlorini primarily feed on nectar and pollen, as they are generally regarded as pollinators.
Life Cycle
Life cycles involve typical bee development through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with specific behaviors during foraging and nesting depending on the species.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves mating and building nests, often in the ground or in plant cavities, with variation in nesting habits among species.
Ecosystem Role
As pollinators, Augochlorini play a crucial role in ecosystems, facilitating plant reproduction and contributing to biodiversity.
Collecting Methods
- Net collection during flowering seasons
- Malaise traps stationed in habitats
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Slide mounting for morphological studies
Evolution
Part of the evolutionary history of bees, Augochlorini represents a lineage that displays both morphological diversification and ecological adaptation across different regions.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Augochlorini are sometimes confused with other sweat bees due to similar appearance but can be distinguished by their distinctive morphological features.
Tags
- sweat bees
- Augochlorini
- pollinators
- halictidae
- taxonomy