Sweat Bees earn their name thanks to the vast amounts of pollinating they do and an affinity for salty perspiration.
Sweat Bees are hard-working and mission-orientated. The fine bristles on the body of a Sweat Bee help the workers collect pollen. They do not make honey. Bees get covered in the small pollen grains, coloring their yellow and black bodies. Each worker unloads its haul back at the nest. Nests can be found in the ground. Look for holes or tunnels and give them a wide berth. Females sting if brushed against or agitated. Removing the stinger as soon as possible reduces the amount of bee venom that gets into the wound. This type of bee often rests on sweaty arms, legs, and necks. The salt mineral is the main attraction and after drinking, the bee flies off. Swatting at one can induce it to sting, so look at what causes a tickle before smacking at it.
Sweat Bees pollinate a variety of plants in urban, suburban, and rural areas. They can be found in parks, backyard gardens and open fields. They are most active in the late spring and summer months.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Hymenoptera
Family:Halictidae
Genus:Lasioglossum
Species:spp.
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Lasioglossum spp.
Category:
Bee, Ant, Wasp and Similar
Size (Adult; Length): 4mm to 14mm (0.16in to 0.55in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Ant, Bee, and Wasp Anatomy
1
Antennae: Ants and Bees both have a pair of antennae on the head that senses their surroundings.
2
Head: The head contains the insect's compound eyes, antennae, and mandibles.
3
Thorax: Contains various vital parts such as the aorta and nervous system.
4
Abdomen: Contains various organs including the heart, gut, venom glands, and anus.
5
Legs: Ants and Bees have three pairs of legs attached to the thorax (center-body section).
NOTE: Ants, Bees and Wasps are part of the Hymenoptera order because they share many similarities.
Colors: black
