Lasioglossum olympiae

(Cockerell, 1898)

Olympia Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum olympiae is a of sweat in the . It is a small, ground-nesting bee to North America. Like other members of the Lasioglossum, it is a that visits a variety of flowering plants. The species is part of the largest genus of bees, which includes over 1,700 species globally.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum olympiae: //ˌlæsiˈoʊɡlɔsəm oʊˈlɪm.pi.aɪ//

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

Identification

Lasioglossum olympiae is a small sweat , typically under 10 mm in length. As with most Lasioglossum , it can be difficult to distinguish from without microscopic examination. The is characterized by small size, relatively sparse body hair, and often metallic coloration in some species. Specific diagnostic features for L. olympiae relative to similar species are not well documented in accessible literature.

Habitat

Found in prairie and grassland . Associated with open, sunny areas with exposed soil for nesting.

Distribution

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

Life Cycle

As with other Lasioglossum , L. olympiae is presumed to be a solitary or weakly social ground-nesting . Females excavate burrows in soil and provision individual with pollen and nectar for their offspring. However, specific details of its have not been documented.

Behavior

Males have been observed visiting flowers, including Prairie Clover (Dalea candida), where they may seek nectar and mating opportunities with foraging females.

Ecological Role

. As a , it contributes to of flowering plants in its .

Human Relevance

Like other sweat , may be attracted to human perspiration for salts and minerals. Not considered economically significant.

Similar Taxa

  • Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesThe subgenus Dialictus contains numerous small, morphologically similar sweat that require expert identification to distinguish from L. olympiae.
  • Other HalictidaeSmall size and general appearance overlap with other sweat such as Halictus and Agapostemon.

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