Halictidae
Guides
Agapostemon
Striped Sweat Bees, Metallic Green Sweat Bees
Agapostemon is a genus of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising approximately 42 species distributed across the Western Hemisphere from Canada to Argentina. Most species exhibit metallic green or blue coloration, particularly on the head and thorax. Unlike many other sweat bees in the family, Agapostemon species are not attracted to human sweat. The genus includes both solitary and communal species, with all species nesting in the ground. Some species, such as A. virescens, form communal aggregations where multiple females share a common nest entrance while maintaining separate brood cells.
Agapostemon coloradinus
Colorado Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon coloradinus, the Colorado striped-sweat bee, is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 20 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are distributed across North America. Members of this genus are commonly known as "green sweat bees" due to their distinctive metallic coloration. The specific epithet "coloradinus" suggests a connection to Colorado, though the full geographic range extends more broadly. Like other halictid bees, it is a solitary or primitively eusocial pollinator that nests in soil.
Agapostemon femoratus
Wide-legged Sweat Bee
Agapostemon femoratus is a species of metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Crawford in 1901. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration. The species occurs in Middle and North America. As a halictid bee, it likely participates in ground-nesting behavior and generalist pollination, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. virescens and A. texanus.
Agapostemon nasutus
Concave-nosed Striped-Sweat bee
Agapostemon nasutus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, known for its metallic green coloration typical of the genus. The species was described by Smith in 1853 and is distributed across Middle America, North America, and South America. It is one of two recognized subspecies, with Agapostemon nasutus nasutus representing the nominate form and Agapostemon nasutus gualanicus described by Cockerell.
Agapostemon obliquus
Oblique Sweat Bee
Agapostemon obliquus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of approximately 40-45 species in the genus Agapostemon, which are collectively known as metallic green sweat bees. The species is found in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits the characteristic bright metallic green coloration that makes Agapostemon bees visually distinctive and frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps.
Agapostemon poeyi
Poey's metallic green bee, Caribbean green sweat bee
Agapostemon poeyi is a metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, endemic to the Caribbean region. The species was described by Lucas in 1857 and is one of approximately 45 species in the genus Agapostemon. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits striking metallic coloration and is a solitary or primitively social ground-nesting bee. The species contributes to pollination of native and cultivated plants in its island habitats.
Agapostemon sericeus
silky striped-sweat bee, silky striped sweat bee
Agapostemon sericeus is a solitary sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the silky striped-sweat bee. The species is a generalist pollinator that nests in soil, showing little selectivity for nesting sites as long as floral resources are available. It has been documented in moist lawns, garden edges, and unmowed areas. The species is native to North America.
Agapostemon tyleri
Tyler's Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon tyleri is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Cockerell in 1917. It belongs to a genus known for metallic green coloration and ground-nesting behavior. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. virescens and A. texanus.
Augochlora
green sweat bees
Augochlora is a genus of small, metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae, comprising approximately 127 valid species distributed from southern Canada to Argentina. The genus exhibits remarkable social flexibility, with most species showing facultative eusociality while at least one species, Augochlora pura, is exclusively solitary. Members nest primarily in decaying wood, though some species utilize soil. The genus is divided into three subgenera: Augochlora s. str., Oxystoglossella (formerly Oxystoglossa), and the extinct Electraugochlora known from Miocene Dominican amber.
Augochlora aurifera
Auriferous Green Sweat Bee
Augochlora aurifera is a metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described by Cockerell in 1897. As a member of the tribe Augochlorini, it exhibits the characteristic bright metallic coloration common to this group. The species is distributed across North America and Middle America. Like other Augochlora species, it is presumed to be solitary or primitively social, though specific behavioral details for A. aurifera remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as Augochlora pura.
Augochlora azteca
Aztec Sweat Bee, Aztec augochlora
Augochlora azteca, commonly known as the Aztec Sweat Bee, is a solitary bee species in the family Halictidae. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of metallic green sweat bees that are frequently encountered on flowers. The species is distributed across Middle America and North America, where it contributes to pollination services in both natural and managed landscapes. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits solitary nesting behavior.
Augochlorella
sweat bees
Augochlorella is a genus of small, metallic sweat bees in the family Halictidae. Members are distinguished from related genera by microscopic wing venation and head structure. The genus exhibits flexible sociality, with some populations forming eusocial colonies while others remain solitary depending on environmental conditions. Augochlorella aurata is among the most common bees in eastern North America and serves as an important pollinator of wildflowers and agricultural crops.
Augochlorella neglectula
sweat bee
Augochlorella neglectula is a metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is one of sixteen recognized species in the genus Augochlorella, which is distributed across the New World. The species exhibits the bright metallic coloration typical of the tribe Augochlorini, making it visually similar to congeners and other augochlorine bees. Subspecific variation includes the coastal form A. neglectula maritima, though this has been synonymized with the nominate subspecies in some treatments.
Augochlorella nigrocyanea
Augochlorella nigrocyanea is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, tribe Augochlorini. The genus Augochlorella contains several species of small, metallic bees that are difficult to distinguish from related genera Augochlora and Augochloropsis without microscopic examination. Members of this genus are known for their bright metallic green, blue-green, or occasionally brassy coloration. Some Augochlorella species exhibit communal nesting or primitively social behavior, with multiple females sharing nest entrances.
Augochlorella pomoniella
Peridot Sweat Bee
Augochlorella pomoniella is a small, metallic green sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Peridot Sweat Bee. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of bright metallic bees that are frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps due to their similar appearance. The species is distributed across North America and Middle America. Like other Augochlorella species, it is a ground-nesting bee that visits flowers for pollen and nectar.
Augochloropsis anonyma
sweat bee
Augochloropsis anonyma is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of metallic green bees that are frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps due to their similar appearance. The species was described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1922. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil or rotting wood.
Augochloropsis sumptuosa
sweat bee
Augochloropsis sumptuosa is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, characterized by bright metallic green coloration. It belongs to the tribe Augochlorini, a group of small, often iridescent bees that are frequently mistaken for cuckoo wasps due to their similar appearance. The species has been documented in mark-recapture studies evaluating bee sampling methodologies, indicating its use as a representative taxon for monitoring wild bee populations. Like other Augochlorini, it is a solitary or primitively social bee that nests in soil or rotting wood.
Augochloropsis viridula
Northeastern Sweat Bee
Augochloropsis viridula, commonly known as the northeastern sweat bee, is a metallic green bee in the family Halictidae. The species was first described by Frederick Smith in 1853, then treated as a subspecies of A. metallica, but was reinstated as a full species in 2022 based on taxonomic research. It is found in the midwestern United States and Canada. Like other halictids, it is a solitary bee that nests in soil.
Conanthalictus
Conanthalictus is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, established by Cockerell in 1901. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed in North America, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Species in this genus are small to medium-sized bees associated with the tribe Rophitini.
Conanthalictus macrops
sweat bee
Conanthalictus macrops is a species of sweat bee (family Halictidae) described by Cockerell in 1916. It belongs to the genus Conanthalictus, a small group within the subfamily Rophitinae. The species is known from North America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Dieunomia
Dieunomia is a genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, containing approximately nine described species. These bees are among the largest in their family, second only to the genus Nomia. They are relatively uncommon and exhibit specialized ecological relationships with their pollen sources.
Dieunomia heteropoda
Giant Sweat Bee
Dieunomia heteropoda is a large sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Giant Sweat Bee. It occurs in Central America and North America. The species nests in aggregations in hard-packed soil, with males exhibiting patrolling and digging behaviors to locate females at nest entrances. Two subspecies are recognized: D. h. heteropoda and D. h. kirbii.
Dieunomia nevadensis
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis, commonly known as the Nevada nomia, is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. First described by Ezra Cresson in 1874, this bee occurs across Central America and North America. The species includes five recognized subspecies that vary in coloration, size, and geographic range. Subspecies exhibit notable morphological differences, with some forms distinguished by abdominal coloration ranging from red to black.
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1910 as a form of Nomia nevadensis. It belongs to a genus of ground-nesting bees found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread D. nevadensis species complex.
Dieunomia nevadensis bakeri
Baker's Nomia
Baker's Nomia is a subspecies of the Nevada nomia, a sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1898 and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by morphological characteristics. The subspecies occurs in western North America, where it is associated with alkali and saline habitats. Like other Dieunomia species, it is a ground-nesting bee with specialized ecological requirements.
Dufourea marginata
Sunflower Shortface
Dufourea marginata is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Sunflower Shortface. It occurs in North America. Two subspecies are recognized: D. m. marginata and D. m. halictella. As a member of the Rophitinae subfamily, it is among the more specialized halictid bees.
Dufourea maura
Black Shortface
Dufourea maura is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Black Shortface. It is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Dufourea, it is a small bee associated with the tribe Rophitini within the subfamily Rophitinae. The species was described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1878.
Dufourea monardae
Beebalm Shortface Bee, monarda dufourea
A small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Beebalm Shortface Bee. Females measure approximately 7 mm, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females having a strongly protuberant face and males possessing a longer head. It is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from bee balm plants (Monarda spp.). Active primarily during July and August across its North American range.
Dufourea novaeangliae
Pickerelweed Shortface
Dufourea novaeangliae is a solitary bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Pickerelweed Shortface. It is an oligolectic (specialist) pollinator exclusively associated with pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), a semi-aquatic plant. The species occurs in north-eastern and north-central North America, with confirmed records from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Illinois, and Vermont. It is phylogenetically distant from honey bees and possesses the smallest odorant receptor repertoire (112 ORs) among fully sequenced bee genomes.
Dufourea oenotherae
Dufourea oenotherae is a species of short-faced bee in the family Halictidae, described by Timberlake in 1939. The specific epithet 'oenotherae' indicates an association with evening primrose (Oenothera), suggesting a specialized host relationship. Members of the genus Dufourea are typically oligolectic, collecting pollen from a narrow range of host plants. The species is known from North America.
Halictidae
sweat bees, halictid bees
Halictidae is the second-largest family of bees with nearly 4,500 described species worldwide. Commonly called sweat bees, many species are attracted to human perspiration to obtain dissolved salts and electrolytes. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in social organization, ranging from solitary to primitively eusocial species, and includes the taxon for which the term "eusocial" was originally coined. Halictids are important pollinators of wildflowers and some agricultural crops.
Halictini
sweat bees
Halictini is a cosmopolitan tribe of sweat bees (Halictidae) comprising over 2300 described species. The tribe is divided into five subtribes: Halictina, Sphecodina, Thrinchostomina, Caenohalictina, and Gastrohalictina. Members exhibit diverse social systems ranging from solitary to eusocial, with some species exhibiting social parasitism. The tribe includes the large genus Lasioglossum s.l. and the Halictus genus-group.
Halictoxenos
Halictoxenos is a genus of strepsipteran insects (twisted-wing parasites) in the family Stylopidae. The genus comprises approximately 23 species distributed across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with a primarily Holarctic distribution. All species are obligate endoparasites of bees in the family Halictidae, particularly the subfamily Halictinae. The genus was established by W. Dwight Pierce in 1909.
Halictus farinosus
Wide-striped Sweat Bee
Halictus farinosus is a primitively eusocial sweat bee native to North America. It nests underground in soil, forming small colonies averaging 3.5 workers and 13.5 reproductive brood. The species exhibits intermediate social strength within the genus Halictus, with most workers mated and capable of ovarian development. Nesting phenology varies with annual weather conditions, with colder, wetter springs delaying activity by up to two weeks.
Halictus ligatus
Ligated Furrow Bee, sweat bee
Halictus ligatus is a primitively eusocial sweat bee native to North and Central America. It nests in ground burrows or rotting wood, forming colonies with reproductive division of labor between queens and workers. The species exhibits remarkable behavioral plasticity: northern populations have annual colony cycles with distinct worker and reproductive broods, while subtropical populations show continuous brooding and reduced social hierarchy. Queens establish dominance through aggression and pheromonal suppression of worker reproduction. The species is polylectic, collecting pollen from diverse flowering plants, and serves as an important native pollinator.
Halictus parallelus
Parallel-striped Sweat Bee
Halictus parallelus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to North America. The common name refers to the distinctive parallel pale bands across the abdomen. Like other halictids, this species is a ground-nesting bee that provisions its burrows with pollen and nectar for its young.
Halictus tectus
sweat bee
Halictus tectus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. Native to southern Europe through Mongolia, it was introduced to the eastern United States in 2000. In its introduced range, it has been observed in Maryland, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. The species appears to favor disturbed habitats with non-native vegetation in North America.
Halictus virgatellus
Comma Sweat Bee
Halictus virgatellus is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Cockerell in 1901. It is known from North America and is commonly referred to as the Comma Sweat Bee. Like other members of the genus Halictus, it is a ground-nesting bee. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented.
Lasioglossum actinosum
sweat bee
Lasioglossum actinosum is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, one of over 1,700 species in the genus Lasioglossum. Like other halictids, it is likely a ground-nesting solitary or semi-social bee. The species was described by Sandhouse in 1924 and occurs in North America. Members of this genus are frequently encountered in bee monitoring studies using bowl traps, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Lasioglossum admirandum
Admirable Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum admirandum is a small sweat bee in the subgenus Dialictus, one of 84 metallic Dialictus species revised for Canada. Originally described by Sandhouse in 1924, it was synonymized with D. perspicuus before being restored as the senior synonym. Like other Dialictus, it belongs to the most commonly collected bee group in North America and exhibits diverse social systems. The species is part of the largest bee genus globally, with over 1,700 Lasioglossum species worldwide.
Lasioglossum albipenne
white-winged metallic-sweat bee, white-winged sweat bee
Lasioglossum albipenne is a metallic sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the white-winged metallic-sweat bee. It belongs to the subgenus Dialictus, a large and taxonomically challenging group of small bees. The species was originally described by Robertson in 1890 and has undergone taxonomic revision, with several synonymies resolved in recent Canadian treatments. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-nesting bee and likely contributes to pollination in its native range.
Lasioglossum anomalum
Anomalous Metallic Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum anomalum is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, one of over 1,700 species in the genus Lasioglossum. As with other members of this large genus, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and broader distribution across the continent. Like related Lasioglossum species, it likely exhibits metallic coloration typical of many halictid bees.
Lasioglossum cattellae
A small metallic sweat bee in the subgenus Dialictus, originally described from the eastern United States. The species was previously known under the synonym Dialictus alternatus until synonymized by Gibbs (2010). Like other members of this large subgenus, it is a ground-nesting bee with likely solitary or weakly social behavior.
Lasioglossum cinctipes
Lasioglossum cinctipes is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, a group of small to medium-sized bees commonly attracted to human perspiration for its salt content. As a member of the genus Lasioglossum—one of the largest bee genera with over 1,700 species—this bee is part of a diverse lineage of ground-nesting solitary to semi-social bees. The species is documented from North America, with records from Vermont and other regions.
Lasioglossum coeruleum
Deep-blue Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum coeruleum is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is commonly known as the Deep-blue Sweat Bee. The species was described by Robertson in 1893 and is native to North America.
Lasioglossum coriaceum
Leathery Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum coriaceum, commonly known as the leathery sweat bee, is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It belongs to one of the largest genera of bees, with over 1,700 described species. Like other Lasioglossum species, it is a ground-nesting bee. The species occurs in North America, with confirmed records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a member of Halictidae, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic behavior of visiting flowers for pollen and nectar, and may be attracted to human perspiration for salts and minerals.
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 ephialtum
nightmare sweat bee
Lasioglossum ephialtum is a sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described as a new species in 2010 by Jason Gibbs. It belongs to the subgenus Dialictus, a diverse group of small bees commonly collected across North America. The species is known by the common name 'nightmare sweat bee.' As with other Dialictus species, it is likely a pollinator, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Lasioglossum floridanum
Florida sweat bee
Lasioglossum floridanum is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It belongs to a large genus of small bees commonly known as sweat bees due to their attraction to human perspiration. The species is native to North America, with records primarily from the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a ground-nesting bee that contributes to pollination of wild plants and crops.
Lasioglossum hitchensi
Hitchens's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum hitchensi is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described by Gibbs in 2012. It belongs to the genus Lasioglossum, the largest genus of bees with over 1,700 species. Like other members of this genus, it is likely a small to medium-sized bee with nesting habits typical of ground-nesting halictids. The species is known from limited observations, primarily from Vermont in the northeastern United States.