Family: Halictidae

Approximate # species in region: 3

Common name: epauletted sweat bee

Augochloropsis is yet another genus of shiny green bee. Compared to other Augochlorini, Augochloropsis are often strikingly blueish green, and they have distinctly notched metallic-green tegulae (rather than the dull, oval tegulae of other Augochlorini). Augochloropsis nest underground and likely exhibit some degree of sociality, but their nesting habits are not very well known. Only A. viridula is particularly common and widespread in the northern part of our region – additional species are present from the New Jersey pine barrens on south.

At a glance, Augochloropsis are quite similar in appearance to Augochlorella and Augochlora, but their oddly-shaped metallic tegulae are a diagnostic feature.

Regional Species List: