Generalist-forager
Guides
Agapostemon texanus
metallic green sweat bee, Texas striped sweat bee
Agapostemon texanus is a ground-nesting sweat bee with the widest geographic range of any species in its genus, spanning from southern Canada to Costa Rica. Both sexes exhibit metallic blue-green coloration on the head and thorax, while males display distinctive black and yellow abdominal banding. The species is exclusively solitary, differing from other Agapostemon that may form communal nests. It is a generalist forager active from March through October, transporting pollen on its hind legs.
Augochlorella aurata
golden green sweat bee, golden sweat bee
Augochlorella aurata is a primitively eusocial sweat bee (Halictidae) and one of the most common bees in eastern North America. Adults display brilliant metallic green coloration, often diffused with copper, red, or yellow tones. The species nests in soil and exhibits a seasonal colony cycle with distinct foundress, worker, and reproductive phases. It is a generalist pollen forager and has been documented visiting numerous horticultural crops and native plants.
Bombus griseocollis
brown-belted bumblebee, brown-belted bumble bee
Bombus griseocollis is a widespread North American bumblebee species commonly known as the brown-belted bumblebee. It is notable for its flexible habitat use, occurring in both natural and heavily urbanized environments including densely populated cities. The species maintains stable populations across much of its range, in contrast to many declining North American bumblebees. It exhibits primitively eusocial colony organization with temporal division of labor among workers.
Bombus impatiens
Common Eastern Bumble Bee, common eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens is a native North American bumble bee and the most commonly encountered bumblebee across much of eastern North America. The species exhibits high adaptability to diverse habitats including agricultural areas, suburbs, and urban environments, which has facilitated its widespread commercial use as a greenhouse pollinator. Colonies are founded annually by solitary queens and can exceed 450 individuals. The species has been introduced beyond its native range through commercial trade and serves as a key model organism for bumble bee research.
Bombus rufocinctus
red-belted bumblebee
Bombus rufocinctus, commonly known as the red-belted bumblebee, is a North American bumble bee species characterized by striking color polymorphism in abdominal patterning. Queens measure 16-18 mm, workers 11-12 mm, and males 12-13 mm. The species inhabits wooded areas, urban parks, and gardens across Canada and the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States. Males exhibit perching behavior and possess cephalic labial glands that secrete complex chemical mixtures likely involved in mating signaling. Nests are typically constructed on or above ground level.
Lasioglossum cressonii
Cresson's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum cressonii is a small, metallic sweat bee native to North America. The species exhibits eusocial colony organization with queens, workers, and reproductive broods. It is an important pollinator of native plants and agricultural crops, including apple trees. First described by Charles Robertson in 1890, this bee nests primarily in soil or wood in low-elevation areas.
Lasioglossum pilosum
sweat bee
Lasioglossum pilosum is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described by Smith in 1853. It is a generalist pollinator known to visit flowers of diverse plant species and has been documented pollinating commercial fruit crops including apples. The species is native to North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other halictid bees, it exhibits the characteristic behavior of lapping human perspiration for salts and minerals. Females possess a sting that has been described as mildly irritating relative to other stinging bees.
Lithurgopsis gibbosa
Southeastern Woodborer, Gibbous Woodborer Bee
Lithurgopsis gibbosa is a large, robust solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Southeastern Woodborer or Gibbous Woodborer Bee. It is one of the largest native bees in eastern North America and is notable for its distinctive humped thorax and wood-boring nesting behavior. The species occurs primarily in the southeastern United States, where females excavate nest tunnels in dead wood and provision cells with pollen and nectar.
Megachile policaris
Texas leafcutter bee, policaris leafcutter bee
Megachile policaris is a large, solitary leafcutter bee native to North America that has established invasive populations in Hawaiʻi. First detected on Oʻahu in 2017, it is now present on multiple Hawaiian islands including Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island. It is among the largest Megachile species in North America, with females reaching 18–22 mm. The species constructs nests in pre-existing cavities and uses cut leaf pieces to line brood cells.
Tetramorium immigrans
Immigrant Pavement Ant, Pavement Ant, Sugar Ant
Tetramorium immigrans is a highly successful invasive ant native to Europe that has become one of the most abundant ant species in urban North America. The species thrives in disturbed, paved environments and exhibits remarkable thermal tolerance, with workers surviving temperatures up to 46°C. Colonies are typically large, with thousands to over 10,000 workers, and are highly territorial, engaging in conspicuous inter-colony battles. The species was previously misidentified as Tetramorium caespitum until a 2017 taxonomic revision clarified its status as a distinct species within the T. caespitum complex.