Lasioglossum versatum

(Robertson, 1902)

Experienced Sweat Bee

Lasioglossum versatum is a sweat in the , subgenus Dialictus, to North America. It was described by Robertson in 1902 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with three synonymies proposed in a 2010 Canadian revision. Like other Dialictus species, it is small and likely metallic, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species contributes to the diverse of Lasioglossum bees that dominate many North bee surveys.

Lasioglossum versatum by (c) drnancyjackson, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Lasioglossum versatum by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lasioglossum versatum: //ˌlæsiəˈɡlɒsəm vərˈsætəm//

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Identification

Lasioglossum versatum is a member of the subgenus Dialictus, a group characterized by small size (typically 4-8 mm), metallic coloration (often green, , or bronze), and morphological similarity that makes -level identification challenging. Definitive identification requires examination of microscopic features such as punctation patterns on the mesosoma and propodeum, structure in males, and specific characteristics. The 2010 revision by Gibbs provides species descriptions and illustrations for separation from the 83 other metallic Dialictus species in Canada. L. versatum is distinguished from by subtle morphological traits detailed in ; field identification to species is generally not reliable without specimen collection and expert analysis.

Images

Distribution

North America; recorded from Canada and the United States. Specific documented locations include Vermont, USA. The occurs within the broader range of the subgenus Dialictus, which is widespread across the continent.

Ecological Role

As a member of Lasioglossum, L. versatum likely functions as a of flowering plants. Lasioglossum collectively represent one of the most abundant and diverse genera in North America, contributing significantly to services in both natural and agricultural . The subgenus Dialictus specifically has been documented as frequently captured in bee bowl surveys, indicating substantial presence in bee , though this may reflect sampling toward small, abundant species rather than exceptional ecological importance.

Human Relevance

L. versatum has minimal direct human relevance. Like other sweat , it poses minimal risk; females can sting but are not aggressive, and males lack . The may occasionally be attracted to human perspiration for salts and minerals. Indirectly, it contributes to wild bee diversity documented in ecological studies and research. The species name has been misapplied in past taxonomic usage, complicating historical literature interpretation.

Similar Taxa

Lasioglossum versans (Lovell)Similar name and congeneric status; historically confused due to nomenclatural similarities. L. versans has distinct synonymy (Halictus brevibasis Cockerell) and separate species description.
Other Lasioglossum (Dialictus) speciesMorphologically similar small metallic sweat requiring microscopic examination for separation; the 2010 Gibbs revision treats 84 metallic Dialictus in Canada alone, many with overlapping external features.

More Details

Taxonomic History

L. versatum has a complex taxonomic with three synonymies formally proposed in Gibbs (2010): Halictus (Chloralictus) apertus Sandhouse, H. (C.) genuinus Sandhouse, and H. subconnexus rohweri Ellis. The epithet has been subject to past misapplication in literature, with names sometimes used in senses different from the name-bearing . The and define the species; even paratypes in some Dialictus species have been found not to correspond to the same species as the name-bearing type, highlighting identification challenges in this group.

Research Context

L. versatum is mentioned in ecological literature primarily as part of the broader Lasioglossum (Dialictus) frequently captured in studies. Bowl trap sampling methods, commonly used in bee surveys, disproportionately collect including Lasioglossum , potentially skewing diversity estimates. The 2020 study by Portman et al. critiques this methodological , noting that Lasioglossum and other halictids often dominate bowl trap catches while not necessarily representing the most functionally important in the local bee .