Augochlorini

Augochlorine Sweat Bees

Genus Guides

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Augochlorini is a tribe of sweat bees within the Halictinae, distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropic realms. Members typically exhibit metallic coloration, including green, blue, gold, red, and purple hues. The tribe encompasses approximately 30 , including Augochlora, Augochlorella, Augochloropsis, Corynura, Neocorynura, and Megalopta. Social varies widely, ranging from solitary to primitively eusocial and communal nesting. Some genera, such as Megalopta, include .

Augochloropsis by (c) RAP, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by RAP. Used under a CC-BY license.Augochlorini by no rights reserved, uploaded by sujay. Used under a CC0 license.Augochlorini by (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Augochlorini: //ˈɔːɡoʊˌklɔːrɪnaɪ//

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Identification

Augochlorini bees are distinguished from superficially similar cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) by their presence on flowers and pollen-collecting ; only female bees possess scopae (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs. Within the tribe, the three common eastern North American Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis are virtually identical in external appearance and require microscopic examination for reliable identification. Augochlora pura is frequently brassy, coppery, or bronze rather than bright green.

Images

Habitat

vary by and . Neocorynura tica is restricted to moist tropical forest fragments in Rica. Corynura moscosensis nests in earth banks with moderately hard, humid soil in Chilean Patagonia. Augochlora species nest in rotten wood. Ground-nesting is predominant in most genera, though wood-nesting has evolved independently in at least three Neocorynura species.

Distribution

Nearctic and Neotropic realms. Documented from North America through Central America to South America. Specific records include: southern Rica (Neocorynura tica); Chile and Argentinean Patagonia (Corynura, Callistochlora, Halictillus); Peru (Xenochlora); Panama (Megalopta atra); Brazil (Augochloropsis beatrice); Guatemala (Caenaugochlora costaricensis); and Argentina and Paraguay (multiple Neocorynura ).

Life Cycle

Nesting is diverse. Most are ground-nesters, excavating burrows in soil. Some Augochlora species nest in rotten wood. Neocorynura tica constructs nests in wood with distinct architecture. Corynura moscosensis digs spatially clumped nests in earth banks. Multiple females may share nest entrances in some species, suggesting communal or primitively social organization. provisions are stored in nest . Pupal stages have been described for some species.

Behavior

Social ranges from solitary to primitively eusocial and communal. Augochloropsis exhibits a wide spectrum of social organization across its 150 . Corynura moscosensis shows potential nest-sharing with multiple females in single tunnels, though social organization remains incompletely characterized. Megalopta includes foragers. Males of some species perch on vegetation to await females. Guard bees have been observed at nest entrances. behavior is more direct and less erratic than cuckoo wasps.

Ecological Role

. Augochlorini bees were observed visiting Penstemon digitalis, Monarda fistulosa, and Eryngium yuccifolium in Ohio prairie studies. Corynura moscosensis is polylectic, collecting pollen from multiple plant . Their foraging patterns differ from larger social bees; unlike Bombus, smaller bees such as Augochlorini may forage effectively on isolated flowers, potentially reducing competition in mixed pollinator .

Human Relevance

Augochlorini bees contribute to pollination in natural and restored . They are frequently observed in gardens and natural areas due to their metallic coloration. The tribe serves as a study system for understanding social evolution in bees and coexistence mechanisms.

Similar Taxa

  • AgapostemonBoth are metallic green halictid bees. Male Agapostemon have banded black and yellow , while Augochlorini males are typically entirely metallic. Female Agapostemon virescens have black abdomens with white hair bands, whereas most Augochlorini females are wholly metallic green or blue-green.
  • Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps)Nearly identical metallic coloration. Distinguished by : cuckoo wasps are seldom found on flowers, move with quick jerky movements, and lack pollen-collecting scopae. Augochlorini are common on flowers, fly and alight more directly, and females possess hind leg scopae for pollen transport.

Sources and further reading