Lasioglossum tegulare

(Robertson, 1890)

Epaulette Metallic Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum tegulare is a small sweat bee in the Halictidae, 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 native bees that contribute to pollination services in North America.

Pronunciation

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

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Identification

Small metallic sweat bees 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 genitalia and female scopal hairs. It may be confused with other small metallic halictids 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 wing venation, 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 bees 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 plant associations for L. tegulare have not been documented.

Life Cycle

details specific to this are not available. As a member of Halictidae, 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 bees in the subgenus Dialictus have been observed patrolling flowers and seeking mating opportunities with foraging females.

Ecological Role

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

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

Agapostemon speciesBoth are small to medium metallic sweat bees. Agapostemon are typically larger with more extensive brilliant metallic green or blue 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 brown or blackish coloration with pale abdominal banding.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

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