Halictidae

Systropha planidens

Iridescent.green.sweat.bee1

Dufourea novaeangliae, f, side, Washington Co, ME 2016-04-15-21.47 (26697775525)

Oligochlora semirugosa

Augochloropsis metallica male

Halictidae, commonly known as sweat bees, are a diverse family of Hymenoptera that are found all over the world. They are named for their attraction to the salt in human sweat, which they often land on people to collect. This family includes over 4000 described species in more than 200 genera, making it the second-largest family of bees. Halictidae are important pollinators in many ecosystems, visiting a wide variety of plants for nectar and pollen.

Description

Members of the Halictidae family vary greatly in size, color, and behavior. They can range from 4 to 10 mm in length and display colors from metallic green and blue to black. Many species are solitary, but there are also socially polymorphic and eusocial species within the family, with the latter exhibiting a division of labor between reproductive and non-reproductive individuals in a colony.

Habitat and Distribution

Halictidae are found in habitats ranging from forests and meadows to urban gardens and deserts. Their global distribution encompasses every continent except Antarctica. These bees are adaptable and can nest in the ground or in wood, with nest architecture varying widely among species.

Behavior and Ecology

The behavior of Halictidae species is highly variable. Solitary species make up the majority, where each female constructs and provisions her own nest. Social species exhibit a range of social structures, from simple communal nesting to complex eusocial colonies with queens and workers. The degree of sociality in Halictidae can even vary within a single species, influenced by environmental conditions.

Halictidae play a crucial role in the pollination of both wild and cultivated plants. Their generalist foraging behavior allows them to pollinate a wide variety of plants, contributing to the biodiversity of ecosystems and the production of crops.

Classification

The family Halictidae is divided into several subfamilies, including Halictinae, Nomiinae, and Rophitinae, among others. These subfamilies are further divided into numerous genera and species. The classification of Halictidae is an active area of research, with molecular studies frequently revising the understanding of relationships within the family.

Conservation

While many Halictidae species are common and widespread, others face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to maintain the health of ecosystems, as these bees are vital pollinators.

See Also

• Bee
• Pollination
• Eusociality
• Hymenoptera