Lasioglossum lustrans

(Cockerell, 1897)

Two-celled Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum lustrans is a small sweat bee in the Halictidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. As a member of the Lasioglossum—one of the largest genera with over 1,700 —it belongs to a group frequently encountered in bee surveys and monitoring studies. The species is known from North America and is referred to by the 'Two-celled Sweat Bee'. Like other halictids, it is a ground-nesting bee and contributes to pollination services in its .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum lustrans: //ˌlæsiːoʊˈɡlɒsəm ˈlʌstrænz//

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Identification

Lasioglossum lustrans can be distinguished from similar Lasioglossum by its two-celled wing venation, a trait reflected in its . Identification to species level within Lasioglossum typically requires examination of microscopic features such as wing venation, facial foveae, and male genitalia. The Lasioglossum is characterized by small size (often 4-10 mm), slender bodies, and typically dark or metallic coloration. L. lustrans may be separated from the more commonly encountered L. (Dialictus) species by subtle morphological differences in wing structure and body proportions, though precise identification generally requires taxonomic expertise.

Distribution

North America. Records indicate presence across the continent, though specific range boundaries within North America are not well documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Halictidae , L. lustrans likely functions as a of flowering plants in its range. Lasioglossum collectively are among the most abundant bees in many North American and contribute significantly to pollination services, though specific documentation of L. lustrans's ecological role is limited.

Human Relevance

Lasioglossum lustrans, like many small halictid bees, may be incidentally captured in bowl traps used for monitoring. The Lasioglossum is frequently overrepresented in such trap compared to actual floral visitation rates, which can skew diversity assessments. This has no documented direct economic importance or pest status.

Similar Taxa

Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesNumerous small, dark Lasioglossum in the subgenus Dialictus overlap in size and general appearance with L. lustrans, requiring microscopic examination of wing venation and other features for reliable separation.
Halictus speciesMembers of the related Halictus are similar in size and habitus to Lasioglossum, but typically have more pronounced abdominal banding and different wing venation patterns.
Other Halictidae generaSmall size and dark coloration may cause confusion with such as Sphecodes (blood bees) or Halictus, though structural features of the wing and distinguish Lasioglossum.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The specific epithet 'lustrans' and 'Two-celled Sweat Bee' reference the distinctive two-celled wing venation that aids in identification. The was originally described under the Nomia before transfer to Lasioglossum.