# Lasioglossum Lasioglossum are tiny bees that love to buzz around flowers. They help plants grow by spreading pollen, making them very important for nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Lasioglossum](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lasioglossum_sp._lateral_Bytom.jpg&width=800) Photo: Adrian Tync, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lasioglossum_sp._lateral_Bytom.jpg) ## Appearance The Lasioglossum is a small-to-medium bee, often displaying a distinctive metallic sheen in shades of green, blue, or bronze, though some species are black or brown. Its body is relatively slender, making it visually stand out from larger, fuzzy bumblebees. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Halictidae - **Genus:** Lasioglossum ## Interesting facts - Lasioglossum is one of the largest bee groups, with over 1,700 different species found all around the globe. - Some Lasioglossum bees are primitively social, meaning a queen and her daughters work together, but without complex castes! - Their common name, "sweat bee," comes from some species' surprising habit of landing on people to sip salty perspiration! - These tiny engineers often dig tunnels deep into the soil to create safe, cozy nurseries for their baby bees. ## Special abilities - **Sweat Sense:** Lasioglossum can detect and drink human sweat because of their need for salts and minerals, helping them survive in diverse environments. - **Ground Constructor:** Lasioglossum can build intricate nests by digging tunnels in the ground or rotting wood, which helps them protect their offspring from predators. - **Adaptable Family Life:** Lasioglossum has a flexible social structure, living solitarily or in small groups, which helps them adapt to various habitats and resources. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-20 mm - **Size:** 4-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 10-20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 - **Colony Size:** 1-50 ## Diet & Feeding They sip sweet nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their young bees. - **Age differences:** null - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Pollen, Flower oils - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Common Sunflower (*Helianthus annuus*) — Gathers nectar and pollen from its blooms. - **Pollinates:** Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia hirta*) — Transfers pollen between these vibrant wildflowers. - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Phoebe](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-phoebe) (*Sayornis phoebe*) — A common bird that preys on various flying insects. - **Eaten by:** Flower Crab Spider (*Misumena vatia*) — Ambush predator that hides on flowers to catch bees. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [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. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [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:** 2/5 · Low Be gentle and watchful around bees; they usually won't sting unless scared. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Lasioglossum? 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 Lasioglossum's wingspan? 8-20 mm ### How big is Lasioglossum? 4-10 mm ### How long does Lasioglossum live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Lasioglossum fly? 10-20 km/h ### What does Lasioglossum eat? They sip sweet nectar for energy and gather protein-rich pollen to feed their young bees. ### Where is Lasioglossum usually found? Grasslands ### How does Lasioglossum 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: [Lasioglossum: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lasioglossum)