Striped Sweat Bees

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agapostemon: //ˌæɡəˈpɒstəmən//

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Summary

Agapostemon is a diverse genus of sweat bees primarily found across the Western Hemisphere, notable for their metallic colors and communal nesting habits, making them important pollinators in various ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

Generally green or blue, with the head and thorax displaying metallic colors. Males often have black and yellow striped abdomen, whereas females may have a metallic green or blue abdomen that may also be striped.

Identification Tips

Males are easier to identify due to their strongly black-and-yellow striped abdomen. Females can be differentiated from Augochlorini tribe by the raised ridge encircling the propodeum.

Habitat

Nests in the ground, sometimes in dense aggregations. Common in various habitats from southern Canada to Argentina.

Distribution

Found across North America to South America, with some species like A. splendens, A. texanus, and A. poeyi confirmed in Florida; other species records not confirmed.

Diet

Primarily pollinators, collecting pollen and nectar; they help in the pollination of crops such as cotton.

Life Cycle

In cool temperate regions, there is one generation per year, with females active in early summer and males and pre-diapausing females active in late summer. Only mated females survive winter.

Reproduction

Reproductive division of labor does not exist in communal species; each female digs her own brood cells and collects resources to lay eggs.

Predators

Predation possibly includes kleptoparasitic Nomada cuckoo bees which can invade nests, but communal nesting may deter them due to multiple females present.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators, capable of serving as replacement pollinators for honey bees.

Economic Impact

Beneficial due to their role in pollination of various plants, notably cotton.

Health Concerns

Not known to be attracted to human sweat, unlike some other sweat bee genera.

Collecting Methods

• Netting during flight
• Using floral traps

Preservation Methods

• Pinning
• Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Part of the Halictidae family and distinguishes itself from the metallic green Augochlorini tribe by specific anatomical features like the rim encircling the propodeum.

Similar Taxa

• Augochlorini (other metallic green bees)

Misconceptions

Often confused with Augochlorini because of similar metallic appearance, but distinct based on specific identification markers.

Tags

• bees
• pollinators
• Hymenoptera
• Halictidae
• Agapostemon