Lasioglossum truncatum

(Robertson, 1901)

Truncate Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum truncatum is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae, one of over 1,700 species in the Lasioglossum. Like other members of this large genus, it is a ground-nesting solitary . The species occurs in North America and has been documented in Vermont and other regions. As with many Lasioglossum species, detailed natural history information specific to L. truncatum is limited, though it shares general ecological traits with its .

Lasioglossum truncatum by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.Lasioglossum truncatum, M, Side, MD, Cecil County 2013-07-10-17.43.45 ZS PMax by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Lasioglossum truncatum, M, Face, MD, Cecil County 2013-07-10-17.31.59 ZS PMax (10055999466) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum truncatum: /ˌlæsiˈoʊɡlɑsəm trʌŋˈkeɪtəm/

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Identification

Lasioglossum truncatum is distinguished from other sweat bees by subtle morphological features, particularly the truncated or shortened appearance of certain body structures that give the its name. As a member of the subgenus Dialictus (if applicable) or related groupings within Lasioglossum, it is small-bodied with typical halictid features: short tongue, compact form, and often metallic or dull coloration. Precise identification requires examination of microscopic characters such as facial foveae, wing venation, and male genitalia. It is easily confused with other small Lasioglossum species, which often require expert taxonomic analysis to separate.

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Habitat

Ground-nesting in soil, typical of the . Likely occupies open, sunny areas with suitable soil substrate for burrow excavation.

Distribution

North America; specifically documented in Vermont, United States. GBIF records indicate presence in North America broadly, with confirmed occurrence in Vermont.

Life Cycle

Solitary ground-nesting typical of Halictidae. Females excavate individual burrows in soil, provision with pollen and nectar, and lay . No evidence of social or in this .

Ecological Role

As a member of the most -rich , contributes to pollination services in its . Likely visits diverse flowering plants for nectar and pollen collection.

Similar Taxa

  • Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesNumerous small, morphologically similar sweat bees in the same require microscopic examination for separation; many are frequently misidentified or grouped as 'Lasioglossum sp.' in field surveys.
  • Other Halictidae genera (Halictus, Agapostemon)Similar size and general appearance, but differ in coloration patterns, body proportions, and nesting habits; Halictus often have banded , Agapostemon are frequently metallic green.

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