Augochlorella aurata

Distinguished from Augochlora pura by rounded (not forked) mandible tip and pointed (not squared) forewing marginal cell. Separated from Agapostemon by smooth, ridgeless propodeum. Distinguished from Augochloropsis by simple or only slightly serrated hind tibial spur (Augochloropsis has strongly serrated or pectinate spur). Distinguished from cuckoo wasps by presence on flowers, pollen collection behavior, and less erratic flight pattern.

Ground-nesting bee found in diverse open habitats including longleaf pine savannas, meadows, forest edges, and agricultural areas. Thrives in recently burned habitats where fire maintains canopy openings and promotes floral resources. Nests excavated in soil, often with small tumulus of excavated earth at entrance.

Eastern and central North America, from southern Canada (Ontario, Quebec) south to Florida and west to Colorado and Texas. Sparse records from California and South America. Northernmost representative of primarily Neotropical tribe Augochlorini.

Active from spring through fall. Colony cycle begins in spring with foundress emergence and nest establishment; worker phase in early summer; reproductive phase late summer; mating in early fall; overwintering as inseminated females.

Polylectic pollen forager; collects pollen from diverse plant species. Documented visiting tomato, Echinacea, strawberry, apple, blueberry, cantaloupe, coffee, cranberry, pepper, and watermelon.

Primitively eusocial with annual colony cycle: (1) Foundress phase—overwintered female establishes nest and provisions first brood of males and females; (2) Worker phase—first brood females emerge as non-reproductive workers, foundress becomes queen and ceases foraging; (3) Reproductive phase—workers assist queen in raising second brood of reproductives; (4) Mating and overwintering—second brood mates, females overwinter to become next year's foundresses. Average nest produces 14–15 offspring. Some individuals may skip worker phase or remain solitary.

Females excavate soil nests and collect pollen using scopal hairs on hind legs. Males perch on vegetation to seek females. Colony members may exhibit guarding behavior at nest entrance. Frequently observed on flowers; attracted to salt in human sweat.

Important generalist pollinator in eastern North American ecosystems; likely significant pollinator of horticultural crops. Contributes to pollination networks in fire-maintained habitats such as longleaf pine savannas. Below-ground nesting activity may influence soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Valued pollinator of commercially important crops including tomato, strawberry, blueberry, and other fruits. Common name "sweat bee" reflects attraction to human perspiration; stings are mild and rare. Subject of ecological research on fire management effects on pollinator communities.

• Augochlora puraSimilar metallic green appearance; distinguished by forked mandible tip and squared forewing marginal cell
• Augochloropsis spp.Similar size and coloration; distinguished by strongly serrated or pectinate hind tibial spur
• Agapostemon spp.Similar metallic green coloration; distinguished by ridged propodeum and often banded abdomen in males
• Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps)Nearly identical metallic appearance; distinguished by absence of pollen collection, erratic flight behavior, and lack of floral visitation

• sweat bee
• halictid
• eusocial
• pollinator
• metallic green
• ground-nesting
• fire-associated
• generalist forager

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Bembicid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
• Augochlorella aurata bee - Entomology Today
• Study Shows How Prescribed Burns Benefit Bees
• Bug Eric: Metallica
• For Insect Ecologists, Some Rare Species Interactions Are a Sign of Things to Come
• How Mark-Recapture Methods Can Validate Wild Bee Sampling Protocols
• A review of the bee genus Augochlorella (Hymenoptera: Halictidae: Augochlorini)