Images

One of approximately 1 billions (actually it is nearly 2000) species of Lasioglossum in the world. This one is from Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Interestingly, most of these species appear to be generalists so one wonders how they partition their tiny worlds.

Lasioglossum lineatulum is defined in my mind by having relatively few pits on its scutum, a shinyish abdomen, and long straitions on the propodeal triangle. Otherwise it looks similar to the 100 plus other species in the group. This one was captured on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.

Here is a little tiny parasitic bee whose host is a little tiny Lasioglossum that is often very common in disturbed / lawn areas (L. imitatum). Note the big head...the long straight pointy jaws and you may have an idea about what they could be used for...but has anyone seen this? No...you should investigate instead of looking at your mobile screen all day.

From Cumberland Island National Seashore another little Lasioglossum from the glossy metallic Dialictus group. As its name implies...it has an unusually long head.

A Deep South bee I associate with piney woods on the coastal plain. Rather Herc for a Lasioglossum, but the shade of blue and the dark orangish legs help direct you towards the identification of this species. this one from mysterious and rich in odd bees Cumberland Island, Georgia. Photoshopping by Thistle Droege and Photograph by Lisa Murray.

Ladybird pupa, White Oak leaf, Beltsville, Maryland, August 2012, determination by speech path girl

Larrini, Unknown species, Dorchester County, April 2012, MarylandLiris argentatus?

Bryce Canyon National Park....another of the multitudes of Lasioglossum species present in North America

Bryce Canyon National Park....another of the multitudes of Lasioglossum species present in North America. Photograph by Brooke Alexander. Photography Information: Canon Mark II 5D, Zerene Stacker, Stackshot Sled, 65mm Canon MP-E 1-5X macro lens, Twin Macro Flash in Styrofoam Cooler, F5.0, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 200.

The glorious species richness and subtle complexity of a group of sweat bees. Lasioglossum abundipunctum (pictured here and collected in Fossil Butte, Wyoming) is one of what seems like an endless number of similar seeming bees. I have little doubt that on a per bee basis this group of bees dominates all other native bees, but to we ever really hear about them?

The glorious species richness and subtle complexity of a group of sweat bees. Lasioglossum abundipunctum (pictured here and collected in Fossil Butte, Wyoming) is one of what seems like an endless number of similar seeming bees. I have little doubt that on a per bee basis this group of bees dominates all other native bees, but to we ever really hear about them?

The glorious species richness and subtle complexity of a group of sweat bees. Lasioglossum abundipunctum (pictured here and collected in Fossil Butte, Wyoming) is one of what seems like an endless number of similar seeming bees. I have little doubt that on a per bee basis this group of bees dominates all other native bees, but to we ever really hear about them?

Cape Cod National Seashore....Lasioglossum accuminatum, one of the large black Lasioglossum speciesCanon Mark II 5D, Zerene Stacker, Stackshot Sled, 65mm Canon MP-E 1-5X macro lens, Twin Macro Flash in Styrofoam Cooler, F5.0, ISO 100, Shutter Speed 200, link to a .pdf of our set up is located in our profile

Lasioglossum albipes, Polysocial Hairy-tongued Bee, specimen collected in FranceBecause of the very well known biology of Honey Bees some may believe that all bees have complex social lives. However, very few of the more than 20,000 species of bees discovered actually has a complex social life.

Lasioglossum birkmani, Big Thicket National Preserve

One of the many small difficult to separate by species Lasioglossums. This one was identified by Jason Gibbs and found in Fossil Butte, Wyoming at the National Monument. Photograph by Brooke Alexander.

One of the many small difficult to separate by species Lasioglossums. This one was identified by Jason Gibbs and found in Fossil Butte, Wyoming at the National Monument. Photograph by Brooke Alexander.

Lasioglossum rozeni, Female, Frederick County, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park, a nest parasite of other Lasioglossum species

Bryce Canyon, little tiny sweat bees, lots of different species. Not what people come to see, but what you now can see here because the National Park Service cares. Photography by Brooke Alexander.

Yes, we must see more Lasioglossum species in the Dialictus group, just so you start respecting what bee biologists have to deal with. We are subtle subtle people. Lasioglossum sedi here...from Bryce Canyon National Park. Geology is overated when it is bee season in the park. Photography By Brooke Alexander.

Rare. This small little Lasioglossum sequoiae is all black. This particular specimen was collected in the San Juan Islands of Washington in the National Historic Park and identified by the fabulous Jason Gibbs. This represents a major range extension for all the previous specimens we are aware of are known from California.