Green Sweat Bees (Genera Augochlora, Augochlorella, Augochloropsis)

Size: Small (5-9 mm)     {Size Comparison – the average honeybee is 13 mm}

Color: Brilliant metallic green/blue; some have copper or blue overtones

Type of Flight: Hovering; fluid flight; difficult to follow due to size and color

Distinguishing Characteristics:

(1) Unlike the “Agapostemon” green sweat bees, the females and males of this group are entirely brilliant metallic green or blue

(2) Commonest species roughly 1/2 the size of a honeybee; they are often mistaken for flies

(3) Small size compared to other “green bees” (Genus Agapostemon)

Abundance in Georgia: Common

Typically Found in Georgia: March to October

Pollination Value: High

Plants Associated with: All flowering plants (Generalist – not specific to any type of plant

Nesting Habitat: These bees often nest under bark, rotten wood, bore holes created by other insects, and in the ground ( in well-drained soil)

Classification: Family: Halictidae       Genus: Augochlora or Augochlorella or Augochloropsis

Number of Species in Georgia: Augochlora 1, Augochlorella 3, Augochloropsis 3

Number of Species in the U.S.: Augochlora 4, Augochlorella 7, Augochloropsis 3

 

Photos taken by Sam Droege and staff at the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory (Used with permission)

–> Click on the photo to enlarge the image

 

 

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