Images

null

null

null

Lasioglossum leucozonium, female

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.

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.

One of what seem like one billion different kinds of small shiny slightly metallic Lasioglossum species. This one characterized by very sparse pitting on the top of the thorax and bit more glintyness on the abdomen (yep, not great characters).

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.

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.

Lasioglossum marinense, from the San Juan Islands National Historic Park, found in the eastern parts of the Pacific Northwest. Photograph by Dejen Mengis.

Lasioglossum marinum, Female, Florida, National Park Service, Fort Matanzas National Monument

Cuba, GTMO Guantanamo Bay Naval Base

Cuba, GTMO Guantanamo Bay Naval Base

Now, this is an interesting bee. Obviously it has occurred in Michigan, and indeed until quite recently that was the only place it was known from and in fact, was known only from one single specimen. However, it was so unique that was described by Ted Mitchell over 50 years ago as a new species.

From Organ Pipe National Monument comes the small and very common western Lasioglossum microlepoides. Just like the seemingly endless supply of these small Halictid bees, it is slightly metallic and and has a strongly bent basal vein. One could spent a couple lives just figuring out the different species. Photography by Brooke Alexander.

Wetland Bee. There are many bees in wetlands. Why? Because so many wetland plants have flowers that are designed to lure bees. Why, for example, are water lilies so large and colorful? So they look good in our pretend ponds? Nope. To attract bees out into the pond for a little pollination fun? Yup.

Wetland Bee. There are many bees in wetlands. Why? Because so many wetland plants have flowers that are designed to lure bees. Why, for example, are water lilies so large and colorful? So they look good in our pretend ponds? Nope. To attract bees out into the pond for a little pollination fun? Yup.

Lasioglossum nevadense from San Juan Islands National Monument in the farrrr northwest corner of the United States mainland.

Cuba, GTMO, Guantanamo Bay