Halictid Bees

Family Halictidae

Lasioglossum zonulum. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Halictids are the most common bees after the Apidae. They are an important group for the pollination of plants. They nest in burrows in the ground or in banks. Many species are solitary, some are communal, and others are eusocial with behaviourally distinct female castes, as in the Apidae. These small bees are often metallic, black or dark-coloured. Many species are green or have green stripes. They are distinguished from other families of bees by characteristics of the wing venation.