Halictus parallelus

Say, 1837

Parallel-striped Sweat Bee

Halictus parallelus is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae, native to North America. The refers to the distinctive parallel pale bands across the . Like other halictids, this species is a ground-nesting that provisions its burrows with pollen and nectar for its young.

Halictus parallelus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Mike Mulqueen. Used under a CC0 license.Halictus parallelus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Mike Mulqueen. Used under a CC0 license.Parallel-striped Sweat Bee - Halictus parallelus (50245761896) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Halictus parallelus: /həˈlɪktəs ˌpɛrəˈlɛləs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Halictus by the parallel (rather than interrupted or wavy) pale bands across the abdominal tergites. Medium-sized with brown or blackish coloration and white transverse bands. Members of Halictus are generally larger than the tiny metallic Lasioglossum sweat bees and less brilliantly colored than the green Agapostemon species.

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Distribution

North America; recorded from Vermont and other regions of the United States.

Ecological Role

. As a forager, visits a variety of flowering plants to collect nectar and pollen.

Human Relevance

Contributes to pollination of wild plants and potentially crops. May occasionally land on humans to obtain salts from perspiration, as is characteristic of sweat bees (Halictidae), but is harmless unless handled roughly.

Similar Taxa

  • Halictus ligatusSimilar size and banded abdominal pattern, but H. ligatus typically has more irregular or less perfectly parallel bands and exhibits eusocial in some .
  • Halictus poeyiVery similar appearance and often occurs in the same ; distinguished by subtle differences in banding pattern and geographic distribution.
  • Lasioglossum speciesOften confused due to shared 'sweat bee,' but Lasiogostemon are generally much smaller, often metallic, and lack the distinct parallel pale bands on .
  • Agapostemon speciesBoth are called 'sweat bees' and in Halictidae, but Agapostemon are typically bright metallic green or blue with less prominent abdominal banding.

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