Green Sweat Bees
Green Sweat Bees are among the most common bees wherever bees are found. There are about 1,000 species.
Although their small size makes them relatively inconspicuous, hundreds may swarm over flowers in
gardens or meadows. The different species are often difficult to distinguish. Most sweat bees visit a
variety of flowers. They sting only if handled
These bees are called Green Sweat Bees as they are attracted to the salt found in human sweat. Most of these
bees nest underground but some burrow in wood. They emerge in mid spring and will forage throughout the
summer. Some are semi-social or communal, while others are solitary. They are generalists and will forage
on a wide variety of plants.
| Green Sweat Bee |
| Habitat: |
Generalists |
| Development: |
Complete metamorphosis |
| Food: |
Herbivore |
| Flight Period: |
Mid-spring through late-summer |
| Description: |
Bright, metallic green or green-blue coloring on part or all
of the body. Some have white and black striped abdomens, others have green or blue abdomens. |
| Length: |
Medium body size: 0.12 to 0.40 inches |
The life cycles of sweat bees vary tremendously among species. Most species nest in the ground,
but some nest in wood. Nests usually consist of a single main tunnel having one or more clumped
cells arising from lateral branches. In some species, the bees constantly guard the nest entrances.
Many species are solitary-that is, the female builds and occupies its nest alone. This is considered
the basic, most primitive nesting behavior. In some sweat bee species, females nest communally,
sharing a common nest entrance.
Many specie show varying levels of sociality, passing
through a continuum of stages in social development. There may be several
egg-laying queens with the other bees functioning as workers. Sometimes generations
of these bees overlap and live together and there may be a division of labor among nest mates.
The bee's basic nutritional requirements are similar to those of humans; they need proteins, carbohydrates,
minerals, fats/lipids, vitamins, and water. Learn More!
Take this quick quiz and see how much you know about Bumble Bees—our favorite essential pollinators
working around the world. This quiz is intended for fun, in a random-facts-can-be-cool kind of way.
Wild bees need our help. Many populations are declining due to habitat loss, disease and pesticide poisoning.
Each of us can create habitat to support local bee populations.