Tag: metallic green bee
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Augochlorella
Augochlorella is a small, brilliant green genus of bees, and one of three in our area that belong to the tribe Augochlorini. Augochlorella are strongly forest-associated, building nests in rotting wood in the understory of eastern deciduous woodlands. They occur on diverse flowers, including in backyards near forested areas. Three species occur in our area:…
Bee Watching
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Brown-winged striped sweat bee (Agapostemon splendens)
Halictidae > Agapostemon > Agapostemon splendens No trip to the beach would be complete without spotting brown-winged striped-sweat bees (Agapostemon splendens) on asters in the dunes. The largest of eastern Agapostemon, this species is strongly associated with sand, and both males and females are distinctive in the field. Phenology Active from late spring through…
Bee Watching
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Silky striped sweat bee (Agapostemon sericeus)
Halictidae > Agapostemon > Agapostemon sericeus Silky striped-sweat bee (Agapostemon sericeus) is a backyard Agapostemon, often found alongside A. virescens. Females are exquisite: metallic green with silver abdominal bands that glisten in the sun. A. sericeus are field-identifiable, with a bit of practice and a camera or hand lens: their unevenly rough-textured thorax is unique…
Bee Watching