• Family: Halictidae
• Approximate # species in region: 4
• Common name: striped-sweat bees

Agapostemon are a group of stocky, metallic green bees. With a bit of practice, females of all four species in eastern North America are field identifiable, though males can pose more of a challenge. This group is widespread and commonly found in a variety of habitats, including backyards and gardens. Agapostemon often land on flowers with their wings up, but fold them back after a few moments of foraging. All species in this group nest in the ground and overwinter as mated females.

Agapostemon males can be recognized instantly by their unique combination of a metallic green head and thorax and black and yellow striped abdomen. Females of Agapostemon virescens are similarly distinctive – metallic green, but with a black and white abdomen. Other Agapostemon females are superficially similar to three other genera of completely metallic green bees–Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis (all in the tribe Augochlorini). However, Agapostemon are larger and more robustly built than the other metallic green bees, always have non-metallic tegulae (unlike Augochloropsis), and often have vague bands of fuzzy pale hairs on their abdomen. Also note that the eyes of Agapostemon lack the distinct notch on the inner margin that is present in the augochlorines. Under the microscope, also note that Agapostemon females have a raised ridge encircling the back of the thorax (propodeum).

Regional Species List: