Lasioglossum perpunctatum

Distinguished from similar metallic Lasioglossum (Dialictus) species by dense punctation pattern and specific morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys. The species was historically confused with D. highlandicus and D. junaluskensis, now synonymized. Identification to species level in this group requires examination of microscopic characters including punctation density, genitalia morphology in males, and facial markings. Reference to Gibbs (2010) revision of Canadian metallic Dialictus provides complete species description with illustrations.

Metallic coloration typical of the Dialictus subgenus. Dense punctation covering the integument, reflected in the species name 'perpunctatum' (densely punctured). Small to medium-sized bee with short tongue adapted for lapping sweat and accessing floral rewards.

North America; recorded from Vermont, USA. Range extends across Canada based on inclusion in national revision. Specific habitat associations not documented in available sources.

Generalist pollen and nectar forager. As with other Lasioglossum species, has been observed visiting flowers for nectar and pollen collection, though specific floral associations for this species are not documented.

Ground-nesting species, typical of Halictidae. Females excavate individual burrows in soil. Social system not specifically documented for this species, but congeners exhibit range from solitary to eusocial with small worker caste.

Females forage for pollen and nectar to provision nest cells. Males frequently observed at flowers, potentially seeking nectar and mating opportunities with foraging females. Like other sweat bees, attracted to human perspiration for salt and mineral acquisition.

Pollinator. Contributes to wild bee pollination services in native ecosystems. As member of hyperdiverse Dialictus subgenus, part of functional pollinator diversity in temperate North American habitats.

Minor pollinator of potential agricultural and native plant significance. Attracted to human sweat, causing minor nuisance but poses minimal sting risk (females can sting if provoked, males harmless).

• Lasioglossum versatumHistorical misidentification common in Dialictus; both metallic with dense punctation, requiring microscopic examination to separate
• Lasioglossum laevissimumFormerly included multiple cryptic species now separated; similar size and metallic coloration
• Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesSubgenus contains 84+ metallic species in Canada alone, many requiring expert identification based on subtle morphological differences

• sweat bee
• halictid
• metallic bee
• Dialictus
• ground-nesting
• pollinator
• North America

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Just inTime for Pollinator Week | Bug Squad
• Bug Eric: Don't Sweat 'em
• Back-Seat Driver: The Parasite That Makes Bees Drop Off Its Babies
• Building a Better Bee Trap: Researchers Say Bee Bowls Are Overused
• Bug Eric: White Prairie Clover: An Awesome Blossom
• Not-so Solitary Bees - Buglife Blog - Buglife
• Revision of the metallic species of Lasioglossum (Dialictus) in Canada (Hymenoptera, Halictidae, Halictini)