100 More species #88: Halictus sweat bee

[urbpan]

Sweat bee, Halictus sp.

Often with insects, an identification to Genus is pretty great. The Genus level represents organisms that are very closely related, that usually are very similar to one another in most ways. The Genus Halictus, on the other hand, includes species that are solitary, those that are true social insects, and those that can be social or solitary depending on environmental conditions. There are also close relative that have parasitic breeding behavior.

What can we really say? This is a small bee (5mm or less) with a mild sting (if female) that it is not likely to use. There are numerous little bees and flies in our garden, most are welcome pollinators. I'm not totally against the use of pesticides, but I don't use them in my yard, mainly to ensure that interesting creatures like this one feel welcome.