Sweat-bee
Guides
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 splendens
Brown-winged Striped Sweat Bee
Agapostemon splendens is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the brown-winged striped sweat bee. It is one of several metallic green bees in the genus Agapostemon found in North America. The species is distinguished by its brownish wing coloration and striped abdominal pattern in males. Like other halictid bees, it is a ground-nesting solitary bee that visits flowers for pollen and nectar.
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.
Agapostemon virescens
Bicolored Striped Sweat Bee, bicolored striped-sweat bee
Agapostemon virescens, commonly known as the bicolored striped sweat bee, is a metallic green halictid bee native to North America. It is the official bee of Toronto, Canada. Females nest underground, often forming aggregations where multiple females share a single burrow entrance, though the species is considered solitary rather than truly social. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration and is a generalist pollinator frequently observed on flowers.
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.
Augochlora pura
Pure Green Sweat Bee, Pure Gold-Green Sweat Bee
A solitary sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to eastern North America. Adults are typically 8 mm long with bright metallic green coloration, though Florida populations exhibit deep blue metallic coloration. The species nests exclusively in rotting wood, utilizing pre-existing insect burrows to construct brood cells lined with a waxy secretion from the Dufour's gland. Unlike many halictids, A. pura has secondarily lost social behavior; females are solitary nesters with no worker caste, though multiple females may aggregate during overwintering or when nesting near deceased mothers.
Augochlora pura mosieri
Augochlora pura mosieri is a subspecies of the solitary sweat bee Augochlora pura, described by Cockerell in 1922. As a member of the Halictidae family, it exhibits the metallic green coloration typical of the Augochlorini tribe. Like other Augochlora pura populations, it is solitary, nesting in rotting wood galleries rather than soil. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader species range in eastern North America.
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.
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 metallica
Metallic epauletted-sweat bee
Augochloropsis metallica is a brilliant green metallic sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to Central and North America. First described by Fabricius in 1793, the species underwent significant taxonomic revision when a former subspecies (A. fulgida) was elevated to species status, resulting in the division of the original A. metallica into five distinct species. The species is commonly found in the Midwest, Northeast, and Southern United States.
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.
Conanthalictus bakeri
Baker's Phacelia-Shortface
Conanthalictus bakeri is a species of sweat bee (Halictidae) described by Crawford in 1907. It is endemic to North America and is commonly known as Baker's Phacelia-Shortface. The genus Conanthalictus belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of bees often associated with specific host plants.
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 bolliana
Dieunomia bolliana is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, subfamily Nomiinae. It was originally described as Nomia bolliana by Cockerell in 1910 and later transferred to the genus Dieunomia. The genus Dieunomia comprises medium to large bees that are often associated with wetland habitats and are known to be pollen specialists on certain plant families. Records indicate presence in North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.
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 arizonensis
Arizona Nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis, known as the Arizona Nomia, is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is a ground-nesting bee distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico. The subspecies was first described by Cockerell in 1899 and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the genus Dieunomia, it is a specialist pollinator associated with particular host plants.
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 australis
Southwestern Shortface
Dufourea australis is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Michener in 1937. The species is commonly known as the Southwestern Shortface. It belongs to the subfamily Rophitinae, a group of bees characterized by their relatively short faces. Based on the specific epithet and common name, this species appears to be associated with southwestern regions of North America, though detailed ecological information remains limited in available sources.
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 mulleri
Phacelia Shortface
Dufourea mulleri is a small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Phacelia Shortface. It is a specialist pollinator with a documented association with plants in the genus Phacelia. The species occurs in North America and is one of the more frequently observed members of its genus.
Dufourea versatilis
sweat bee
Dufourea versatilis is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is found in North America. The species has two recognized subspecies: Dufourea versatilis versatilis and Dufourea versatilis rubriventris. Members of the genus Dufourea are commonly known as short-faced bees.
Halictus
Furrow Bees, Sweat Bees
Halictus is a large genus of sweat bees in the family Halictidae, containing over 200 species divided among 15 subgenera. The genus is primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with most species exhibiting black or dark brown coloration, often with apical whitish abdominal bands. Many species are eusocial, forming colonies ranging from small groups of 2-4 individuals to over 200 bees, though social organization varies with environmental conditions. Nests are excavated in soil, with females constructing ovoid brood cells provisioned with pollen and nectar.
Halictus confusus arapahonum
Arapaho Metallic-Furrow bee
Halictus confusus arapahonum is a subspecies of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, described by Cockerell in 1906. As a member of the genus Halictus, it is likely a primitively eusocial or solitary ground-nesting bee. The nominate species Halictus confusus is known as the Confusing Furrow Bee or Metallic-Furrow bee. This subspecies is distinguished by geographic range and subtle morphological differences from other populations of H. confusus. Like other halictids, adults are generalist pollinators that visit diverse flowering plants.
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 poeyi
Poey's Furrow Bee
Halictus poeyi is a primitively eusocial sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Poey's furrow bee. The species exhibits notable geographic variation in colony cycle phenology: northern and central Florida populations are univoltine with annually brooded colonies, while southern Florida and Florida Keys populations are multivoltine with continuously brooded colonies. This plasticity appears driven by environmental conditions rather than genetic differentiation. Males form nighttime roosting clusters on vegetation, showing area fidelity within approximately 1.5 meters. The species is morphologically indistinguishable from Halictus ligatus, requiring genetic or detailed behavioral analysis for separation.
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 tripartitus
Tripartite Sweat Bee
Halictus tripartitus is a medium-sized sweat bee in the family Halictidae, native to North America. The species exhibits partial eusociality, with nests connected underground and some workers retaining reproductive capability. It is a documented pollinator of Silene spaldingii and other flowering plants. The species has been observed foraging on sunflowers and coneflowers alongside other native bees.
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 atwoodi
Atwood's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum atwoodi is a species of sweat bee described by Gibbs in 2010 as part of a comprehensive taxonomic revision of metallic Dialictus bees in Canada. It belongs to the subgenus Dialictus, the most commonly collected bee group in North America. As a member of this large and diverse genus, it likely exhibits the small size and metallic coloration typical of many Dialictus species, though specific biological details remain undocumented in published literature.
Lasioglossum bruneri
Bruner's Sweat Bee, Bruner's Dialictus
Lasioglossum bruneri is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as Bruner's sweat bee or Bruner's dialictus. It belongs to the large genus Lasioglossum, which is among the most diverse bee genera globally. The species is native to North America, with documented occurrences in the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other halictid bees, it is a wild pollinator that contributes to ecosystem function, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
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.