Physical Appearance

They range in color from dark brown or grey to black metallic; some species have banding on the abdomen.

 

The female carries pollen in a brush of specialized hairs, called scopa, on each hind leg.

 

Characteristics

The common name of Sweat Bee derives from their reported attraction to human perspiration.

Although they are the most abundant species in many habitats, due to their small size and drab coloring, Lasioglossum can often be overlooked or not recognized as bees.

 

Females of all Lasioglossum species mate before hibernating for the winter, emerging in spring ready to found new nests of offspring.

 

Many Lasioglossum species are annually social, the females of annual colonies being loosely divided into nesting, egg-laying, and foraging duties.

 

Whether solitary or social, most Lasioglossum species have multiple generations of offspring from spring through summer.

 

True generalists, Lasioglossum species visit a wide variety of flowers for pollen and nectar, and, given the opportunity, are significant pollinators of many crop plants.

 

Size: Very small slender bees, some species measuring less than 1/4 inch in length.