Lasioglossum tegulare

(Robertson, 1890)

Epaulette Metallic Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum tegulare is a small sweat in the , commonly known as the epaulette metallic-sweat bee. It belongs to the subgenus Dialictus within the large Lasioglossum, which contains over 1,700 . Like other sweat bees, it has been observed visiting flowers for pollen and nectar. The species is part of the diverse of bees that contribute to services in North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum tegulare: /ˌleɪ.si.oʊˈɡlɒsəm tɛˈɡjuːlɛriː/

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Identification

Small metallic sweat in the Lasioglossum require microscopic examination for definitive -level identification. L. tegulare is distinguished from other Dialictus species by subtle morphological characters of the male and female scopal hairs. It may be confused with other small metallic such as Agapostemon species, which tend to be larger and more brilliantly metallic with more extensive coloration. Separation from other Lasioglossum species requires examination of diagnostic characters including , punctation patterns, and genitalic structures.

Habitat

Specific preferences for this are not documented. Members of the subgenus Dialictus typically inhabit open, sunny areas including grasslands, meadows, and forest edges where suitable nesting substrates and floral resources are available.

Distribution

Documented from North America with confirmed records from Vermont, United States. The broader distribution within North America is not well characterized in available sources.

Seasonality

Activity period not specifically documented for this . Sweat in the subgenus Dialictus are generally active from spring through late summer in temperate regions.

Diet

As with other Lasioglossum , are known to visit flowers for pollen and nectar. Specific associations for L. tegulare have not been documented.

Life Cycle

details specific to this are not available. As a member of , it likely follows the general pattern of solitary to semi-social nesting with females excavating burrows in soil and provisioning with pollen and nectar for larval development.

Behavior

Behavioral observations specific to L. tegulare are not documented. Male sweat in the subgenus Dialictus have been observed flowers and seeking mating opportunities with foraging females.

Ecological Role

Contributes to of flowering plants in its . As a small , it is part of the diverse that supports function and .

Human Relevance

No specific human interactions documented. As a sweat , it may occasionally be attracted to human perspiration for salts and minerals, though this has not been specifically recorded for this . The , if delivered, is considered mild compared to other bees.

Similar Taxa

Agapostemon speciesBoth are small to metallic sweat . Agapostemon are typically larger with more extensive brilliant metallic green or coloration, often with striped in females.
Other Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesNumerous congeneric share small size and metallic appearance; microscopic examination of diagnostic characters is required for separation.
Halictus speciesSimilar size and general form, but Halictus typically lack strong metallic coloration and instead show or blackish coloration with pale abdominal banding.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Lasioglossum is the largest of with over 1,700 described . The subgenus Dialictus, to which L. tegulare belongs, contains many small, metallic species that are frequently collected in bee surveys and efforts, often in large numbers relative to other bee .