Agapostemon poeyi

(Lucas, 1857)

Poey's metallic green bee, Caribbean green sweat bee

Agapostemon poeyi is a metallic green sweat bee in the Halictidae, to the Caribbean region. The was described by Lucas in 1857 and is one of approximately 45 species in the Agapostemon. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits striking metallic coloration and is a solitary or primitively social ground-nesting . The species contributes to pollination of native and cultivated plants in its island .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agapostemon poeyi: /ˌæɡəˈpɒstɛmən ˈpoʊji/

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

Identification

Females can be distinguished from other Caribbean Agapostemon by the uniformly metallic green (most other have banded or black abdomens). Males are distinguished by the specific pattern of yellow banding on the black abdomen, which differs from sympatric species. Distinguished from cuckoo wasps (Chrysididae) by : A. poeyi is commonly found on flowers collecting pollen, while cuckoo wasps are rarely on flowers and exhibit quick, jerky movements. Distinguished from Augochlorini bees (Augochlora, Augochlorella, Augochloropsis) by larger size and, in females, the entirely metallic abdomen.

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical island environments including coastal scrub, forest edges, gardens, and agricultural areas. Nests in soil, typically in well-drained, loamy soils with sparse vegetation. Often found in sunny, open areas suitable for ground nesting.

Distribution

to the Caribbean region. Records indicate presence on Caribbean islands, though specific island distributions require further documentation. Not naturally occurring in continental North America.

Diet

. feed on nectar from diverse flowering plants; females collect pollen for provisioning . Specific floral associations in the Caribbean have not been extensively documented.

Life Cycle

Solitary to primitively eusocial. Females excavate burrows in soil, creating provisioned with pollen and nectar. Multiple females may share nest entrances in some , suggesting communal or weakly social . Larvae develop in individual brood cells, pupate, and emerge as . Detailed specific to A. poeyi is poorly documented.

Behavior

Ground-nesting. Females forage for pollen and nectar, returning to nests to provision . Males perch on vegetation to watch for passing females. Both sexes may visit flowers for nectar. Some exhibit communal nesting with multiple females sharing nest entrances.

Ecological Role

of native and cultivated plants in Caribbean . Contributes to reproductive success of flowering plants through pollen transfer. Serves as prey or for parasitic insects including cuckoo bees (Sphecodes and related ).

Human Relevance

Contributes to pollination of crops and garden plants in Caribbean agricultural and horticultural settings. Potential for use in managed pollination programs, though not commercially utilized. Subject of scientific study regarding biodiversity and island .

Similar Taxa

Agapostemon virescensNorth American with similar female appearance (metallic green), but females have black with white hair bands; males differ in abdominal banding pattern. Not sympatric.
Agapostemon texanusWestern North American , similar metallic green appearance, but geographically separated; females have entirely metallic green like A. poeyi but differ in subtle morphological details requiring microscopic examination.
Augochlora spp.Caribbean co-occurring metallic green halictids, but smaller, more slender, with different wing venation and often brassy or coppery coloration; require microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps)Similar metallic coloration and size, but have different body shape (more hump-backed), lack pollen-collecting structures, exhibit quick jerky movements, and are rarely found on flowers.

More Details

Nomenclature

The epithet 'poeyi' honors Cuban naturalist Felipe Poey (1799-1891), who made significant contributions to the study of Caribbean fauna. Authorship is sometimes cited as (Lucas, 1856) in some databases due to publication date discrepancies.

Conservation Status

Not formally assessed by IUCN. Island makes potentially vulnerable to loss, , and climate change effects in the Caribbean region.

Taxonomic Uncertainty

The Agapostemon is well-defined, but -level in the Caribbean has received less attention than North American species. Some sources suggest A. poeyi may be part of a requiring further revision.