Lasioglossum petrellum

(Cockerell, 1903)

sweat bee

Lasioglossum petrellum is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1903. It belongs to the subgenus Dialictus, one of the largest and most taxonomically challenging groups within the Lasioglossum. Recent integrative taxonomic research using and has revealed that L. petrellum represents a cryptic , with four new species described from within its former range. The species is native to North America and Middle America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum petrellum: //ˌleɪ.si.oʊˈɡlɑː.səm pɛˈtrɛl.əm//

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Identification

L. petrellum is a small typical of the subgenus Dialictus, with metallic coloration common in this group. Accurate identification to level requires careful examination of morphological characters and ideally , as the contains cryptic species that are difficult to distinguish visually. A taxonomic key to species in the L. petrellum group is available in the primary taxonomic literature.

Distribution

North America; Middle America. Distribution records indicate presence in both regions, though the precise range boundaries have been complicated by recent taxonomic revision splitting the former L. petrellum into multiple .

Ecological Role

As a member of the Halictidae, L. petrellum likely contributes to pollination services in its native range. Like other Lasioglossum , it may be a common visitor to flowers and potentially an important in certain , though specific quantitative data on its pollination contributions are not documented.

Similar Taxa

Lasioglossum tuolumnenseFormerly included within L. petrellum; distinguished by morphological and genetic differences, described as new in 2009
Lasioglossum griswoldiFormerly included within L. petrellum; distinguished by morphological and genetic differences, described as new in 2009
Lasioglossum droegeiFormerly included within L. petrellum; distinguished by morphological and genetic differences, described as new in 2009
Lasioglossum viridipetrellumFormerly included within L. petrellum; distinguished by morphological and genetic differences, described as new in 2009
Other Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesThe subgenus Dialictus contains over 1,700 globally, many of which are small, metallic, and difficult to distinguish without detailed examination or molecular data