Augochloropsis anonyma
(Cockerell, 1922)
sweat bee
Augochloropsis anonyma is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of metallic green bees that are frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps due to their similar appearance. The species was described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1922. Like other members of its , it is a solitary that nests in soil or rotting wood.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Augochloropsis anonyma: //ɔːˌɡəʊkləˈrɒpsɪs əˈnɒnɪmə//
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Identification
Augochloropsis anonyma is virtually indistinguishable from other members of the tribe Augochlorini (Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis) without microscopic examination. All three in this tribe are bright metallic green or blue-green. To distinguish Augochloropsis from cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae), observe that sweat bees are usually found on flowers, fly and alight more directly, and move less swiftly than the quick, jerky movements of cuckoo wasps. Female sweat bees collect pollen using scopae (brushes of hairs) on the hind legs, which cuckoo wasps lack.
Images
Habitat
Nests are excavated in soil or in rotten wood. Members of the have been observed investigating cavities in dead standing trees or logs.
Distribution
North America.
Behavior
Males perch on leaves and stems to watch for passing females. Both males and females will sometimes pause to preen themselves, usually resting on a sunlit leaf to do so. Members of the tribe Augochlorini, including Augochloropsis, are fond of honeydew (liquid waste products of aphids and scale insects).
Ecological Role
. As a member of the Halictidae , it contributes to pollination services in natural and agricultural environments.
Human Relevance
Has been included in mark-recapture studies evaluating the efficacy of wild sampling protocols. Such studies are important for monitoring bee and assessing the of common sampling methods like aerial netting and pan traps.
Similar Taxa
- Augochlora puraMember of the same tribe Augochlorini; virtually identical in appearance without microscopic examination. Augochlora pura is frequently brassy, coppery, or bronze in color, whereas Augochloropsis is typically bright metallic green or blue-green.
- Augochlorella spp.Member of the same tribe Augochlorini; virtually identical in appearance without microscopic examination. Both are bright metallic green or blue-green.
- Agapostemon spp.Another of metallic green sweat bees in Halictidae. Male Agapostemon have only the and metallic green with a banded black and yellow , making them more easily distinguished. Females of most Agapostemon are wholly metallic green but also rather hairy.
- Cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae)Frequently mistaken for metallic green sweat bees due to similar coloration. Cuckoo wasps are seldom found on flowers, exhibit quick jerky movements, and lack pollen-collecting scopae on the hind legs.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Augochloropsis is part of the tribe Augochlorini within the Halictinae. The three genera in this tribe—Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis—are notoriously difficult to distinguish from one another without detailed morphological examination.