Genus Lasioglossum

This specious genus is notoriously challenging to even the most accomplished bee researchers. Active through the whole season in every habitat, these are some of the most frequently encountered bees. While a few species are distinctive, the vast majority are impossible to identify past sub-genus level from photos. Included in this genus are obligate social species, cleptoparasites, flower specialists, log nesting, and ground nesting species. The host to most species of Blood Bees (Sphecodes).

Genus-level ID

Furrow Bee ( Halictus )

Hair bands on both sides of abdomenal segments

Lasioglossum (subgenus Lasioglossum)

Hair bands only on the top of abdomenal segments

Species-level ID

Though species-level ID is very challenging, many individuals can be quickly assigned to a subgenus, or group of subgenera. The following 3 categories split out relatively well.

Small and shiny (subgenus Dialictius) – The most diverse and hardest subgenus to ID.

Large with white hair bands (primarily subgenus Lasioglossum) – More similar to Furrow Bees (genus Halictus) than other Lasioglossum.

Variable size, all black (several subgenera) – Roughly a dozen species, including two uncommon flower specialists.