This Sweat Bee is approximately 3/8 inch in length. It is a dark emerald metallic green color. The eyes and antennae are black. The legs are also black. This is one of several small green halictid bees that are very similar in appearance. This bee was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence of this species in this area is not known. The individual shown here was photographed in the planted prairie adjacent to the Great Marsh in Fontenelle Forest in mid-July.
There are 5 species of Augochlora in North America. They pollinate many flowers, but can also be found around aphid colonies. Adult females overwinter in wood burrows.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.