Augochlorella pomoniella

(Cockerell, 1915)

Peridot Sweat Bee

Augochlorella pomoniella is a small, metallic green sweat bee in the Halictidae, commonly known as the Peridot Sweat . It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of bright metallic bees that are frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps due to their similar appearance. The is distributed across North America and Middle America. Like other Augochlorella species, it is a ground-nesting bee that visits flowers for pollen and nectar.

Augochlorella pomoniella by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Augochlorella pomoniella, F, Side, Zion Nation Park, Utah 2013-12-30-14.28.34 ZS PMax by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Augochlorella pomoniella: /ɔːɡoʊklɔːˈrɛlə poʊmoʊniˈɛlə/

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

Identification

Members of the Augochlorella are virtually indistinguishable from related genera Augochlora and Augochloropsis by alone; microscopic examination of collected specimens is required for definitive identification. All three genera share bright metallic green, blue-green, or sometimes brassy-coppery coloration. Females can be distinguished from cuckoo wasps by the presence of pollen-collecting scopae (brushes of hairs) on the hind legs, which cuckoo wasps lack. Males and females both have the entire body metallic, unlike male Agapostemon, which have banded black and yellow .

Images

Habitat

Ground-nesting that excavates burrows in soil. Associated with open including longleaf pine savannas and areas with exposed bare soil suitable for nest construction.

Distribution

North America and Middle America. Present in both regions according to distribution records.

Diet

Females collect pollen and nectar from flowers; has been observed on Venus flytrap flowers. Both sexes have been observed feeding on honeydew produced by aphids and scale insects.

Behavior

Females excavate soil burrows for nesting. Some Augochlorella exhibit communal nesting or primitively social , though specific documentation for A. pomoniella is lacking. Males have been observed perching on leaves and stems to watch for passing females. preen themselves while resting on sunlit leaves.

Ecological Role

. Below-ground nesting that benefits from increased access to bare soil following disturbance events such as prescribed burns.

Similar Taxa

Augochlora puraBright metallic green, blue-green, or brassy-coppery coloration; requires microscopic examination to distinguish from Augochlorella
AugochloropsisVirtually identical metallic appearance; microscopic examination required for separation
AgapostemonMetallic green bees, but male Agapostemon have black and yellow banded rather than wholly metallic bodies; females of some have black abdomens with white hair bands
Cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae)Similar metallic appearance but lack pollen-collecting scopae on hind legs; exhibit quick, jerky movements and are seldom found on flowers, whereas Augochlorella moves more directly and is commonly observed on flowers