Halictus

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Halictus
Halictus scabiosae, female
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Halictidae
Tribe: Halictini
Genus: Halictus
Latreille, 1804
Species

>330 species in 15 subgenera (see text)

The genus Halictus is a large assemblage of bee species in the family

apical whitish abdominal bands on the terga (the related genus Lasioglossum
, which is otherwise often similar in appearance, has the abdominal hair bands located basally, not apically).

Many species in the genus are

ovoid "cells" in which pollen mixed with nectar is provided as food for the developing larvae; a single egg is laid on a pollen mass, and the cell is sealed. In a few species, the cells are arranged in clusters resembling a honeycomb, but constructed of soil rather than beeswax
. Like most ground-nesting bees, the brood cells are lined internally with a waterproofing secretion.

A few species in the genus have extensive geographic distribution, such as

Holarctic region. Previously, Halictus ligatus was considered to range from Canada to Venezuela, including the Caribbean. However, genetic data show that there are at least three species previously considered within this one. One of them is restricted to Southeastern USA and the Caribbean, one is Central American, and true H. ligatus is found in northern and western North America.[1] Common European species include Halictus quadricinctus and Halictus sexcinctus, as well as H. rubicundus
. H. rubicundus is solitary at high altitudes and latitudes but has eusocial colonies in warmer areas.

Species

Species within this genus include:[2][3]

References

  • Michener, C.D.
    (2007). The Bees of the World. 2nd Edition. Johns Hopkins University Press.

External links