Agapostemon sericeus

Agapostemon sericeus is a striking species of sweat bee known for its brilliant metallic green or blue coloration. This vibrant, shiny appearance is achieved through densely packed, silky hairs covering its exoskeleton. Females are typically entirely green, while males often have a yellow-and-black striped abdomen contrasting with a green thorax.

They belong to the Halictidae family, which is commonly referred to as the sweat bee family because they are often attracted to human perspiration. They seek out the salt and moisture found in sweat, which provides them with essential electrolytes. While they may land on humans, they are generally harmless and rarely sting unless aggressively swatted.

This native bee species is widely distributed across North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, from open meadows to urban gardens. They are highly active during the warm summer months when wildflowers are in peak bloom. Because they are generalist foragers, they are adaptable and pollinate a wide array of local flora.

Agapostemon sericeus are generally solitary or communal ground-nesting bees, meaning they do not form complex hives like European honeybees. Females typically dig individual nests in the soil to lay their eggs, though they may sometimes share a single main entrance tunnel. They are highly efficient pollinators despite lacking a massive social structure.