# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Augochloropsis metallica](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Augochloropsis_metallica.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jim McCulloch, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Augochloropsis_metallica.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Halictidae - **Genus:** Augochloropsis ## 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 - **Buzz Pollination:** Augochloropsis metallica can vibrate flower parts (sonication) that helps them release stubborn pollen from certain plants. - **Woody Nest Builder:** Augochloropsis metallica can chew into rotting wood to create tunnels that helps them build safe nests for their offspring. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Helps plant reproduce by carrying pollen - **Pollinates:** [Wild Bergamot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wild-bergamot) (*Monarda fistulosa*) — Crucial for this flower's reproduction - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Phoebe](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-phoebe) (*Sayornis phoebe*) — A common bird that preys on flying insects - **Eaten by:** [Crab Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crab-spider) (*Misumena vatia*) — Ambush predator on flowers, preys on bees ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Augochloropsis metallica? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Augochloropsis metallica: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/augochloropsis-metallica)