Lasioglossum coriaceum

Lasioglossum species are notoriously difficult to identify to species level, often requiring microscopic examination of morphological characters. L. coriaceum can be distinguished from other sweat bees by subtle morphological features, but specific diagnostic characters are not detailed in general sources. Identification typically requires examination of male genitalia, wing venation patterns, and facial and thoracic punctation density. Bowl traps frequently capture numerous Lasioglossum specimens that prove difficult for non-specialists to identify.

Specific physical description of L. coriaceum is not well-documented in available sources. As a Lasioglossum species, it is likely small to medium in size. Many Lasioglossum species exhibit metallic coloration, though the specific appearance of this species requires direct examination of specimens. The common name 'leathery' may refer to texture of integument or wing appearance, but this is speculative.

Specific habitat preferences for L. coriaceum are not documented in available sources. As a ground-nesting halictid, it likely occupies open, sunny areas with suitable soil for burrow excavation. Many Lasioglossum species occur in grasslands, prairies, meadows, and other open habitats. The species has been recorded in Vermont, suggesting tolerance for temperate, possibly forest-edge or open woodland environments.

North America. Confirmed present in Vermont, United States. The species is part of the North American fauna of Lasioglossum, which is extensive and diverse. Precise range boundaries are not established in available literature.

Specific seasonal activity patterns for L. coriaceum are not documented. As a temperate North American bee, activity likely occurs during the warmer months, roughly late spring through summer, when floral resources are available and conditions permit ground nesting.

As a member of Halictidae, L. coriaceum likely exhibits a solitary or possibly semi-social ground-nesting life history typical of the genus. Females excavate burrows in soil, provision cells with pollen and nectar, and lay eggs. Development proceeds through egg, larval, and pupal stages before adult emergence. Specific details of its life cycle are not documented.

Specific behaviors of L. coriaceum are not documented. As a Lasioglossum species, it likely visits flowers for pollen and nectar collection. Many halictids are known to alight on humans to obtain salts from perspiration, though this behavior has not been specifically recorded for this species.

As a pollinator, L. coriaceum likely contributes to plant reproduction through pollen transfer during floral visitation. Its specific importance in any ecosystem is not quantified. Like many small bees, it may be a generalist forager on diverse flowering plants.

No specific human relevance documented for this species. As a small sweat bee, it poses minimal sting risk; females can sting but are not aggressive, and males lack stingers. The species is not known to be economically significant in agriculture or apiculture.

• Other Lasioglossum speciesThe genus contains over 1,700 species, many morphologically similar and requiring expert identification. L. coriaceum is distinguished by subtle characters not visible without magnification.
• Halictus speciesAlso Halictidae, often brown or blackish with pale abdominal bands rather than metallic coloration. Medium-sized compared to typically smaller Lasioglossum.
• Agapostemon speciesBright metallic green or blue halictids, often larger and more conspicuously colored than most Lasioglossum species.

• Halictidae
• sweat bee
• ground-nesting bee
• North America
• solitary bee
• pollinator

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
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