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Augochloropsis metallica

Augochloropsis metallica

The Augochloropsis metallica is a shiny green bee that loves to visit flowers. These friendly insects help plants grow by spreading pollen as they collect nectar.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Augochloropsis metallica is a small, iridescent bee with a striking metallic green or blue-green body. Its smooth, shiny exoskeleton makes it visually distinct from many other bees, often glinting like a jewel in the sunlight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyHalictidaeGenusAugochloropsis
Augochloropsis metallica
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Augochloropsis metallica

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Their amazing green color isn't a pigment, but tiny structures that reflect light like a prism!

These dazzling bees are solitary, meaning each female builds her own nest without a queen!

They often choose old logs or fallen branches for their nurseries, drilling perfect tunnels inside.

Unlike many bees, they don't produce honey, focusing purely on pollen and nectar for their young.

Special abilities

Ability

Buzz Pollination

Augochloropsis metallica can vibrate flower parts (sonication) that helps them release stubborn pollen from certain plants.

Ability

Woody Nest Builder

Augochloropsis metallica can chew into rotting wood to create tunnels that helps them build safe nests for their offspring.

Ability

Iridescent Camouflage

Augochloropsis metallica has a shimmering metallic exoskeleton that helps them blend with foliage to avoid predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
8-14 mm
Size
5-9 mm
Lifespan
40-70 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These bees feast on flower nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Sunflower
  • Aster
  • Goldenrod

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta

Transfers pollen between flowers

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Helps plant reproduce by carrying pollen

pollinates

Wild Bergamot

Monarda fistulosa

Crucial for this flower's reproduction

eaten by

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

A common bird that preys on flying insects

eaten by

Crab Spider

Misumena vatia

Ambush predator on flowers, preys on bees

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet around bees; they are helpful and usually won't sting unless scared.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Augochloropsis metallica's wingspan?

8-14 mm

How big is Augochloropsis metallica?

5-9 mm

How long does Augochloropsis metallica live?

40-70 days

How fast can Augochloropsis metallica fly?

15 km/h

What does Augochloropsis metallica eat?

These bees feast on flower nectar for energy and gather pollen to feed their growing babies.

Where is Augochloropsis metallica usually found?

Urban areas

How does Augochloropsis metallica hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Augochloropsis metallica have?

6

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