Halictidae is the second-largest family of bees [1] (clade Anthophila) with nearly 4,500 species. [2] They are commonly called sweat bees (especially the smaller species), as they are often attracted to perspiration .

sweat bee, (family Halictidae), large family of nearly 4,500 species of solitary bees known for their attraction to human perspiration. Sweat bees are widespread and can be found on every continent on Earth except Antarctica. Like most bees, sweat bees do not produce honey, and they do not sting unless provoked.

Sep 24, 2024 · Sweat bees, also known as halictid bees, are small, solitary bees that can be found worldwide. There are different types of Sweat bees. They are named for their attraction to sweat and often forage around humans.

Jan 23, 2023 · What Is a Sweat Bee? Sweat bees are all members of the biological family Halictidae. They’re one of the most numerous and diverse families within the Hymenoptera order. This order contains five...

Oct 18, 2019 · In this issue, you can learn about a lovely native wildflower, the New England aster, as well as a native group of bees called sweat bees that help to pollinate New England aster and its relatives. In addition, with advances in plant research, we are learning more about how cultivars affect our landscapes.

The family Halictidae, commonly known as sweat bees, are one of the largest and most abundant families of bees. They are one of the six families of bees in the order Hymenoptera . The family of sweat bees contains the subfamilies Rophitinae , Nomiinae , Nomioidinae , and Halictinae .

Sweat bees, belonging to the family Halictidae, are often overlooked because of their small size and sometimes metallic appearance. Despite their name, these bees don’t “sweat” but are attracted to human perspiration, which they consume for its salt content.

Feb 11, 2025 · Sweat bees are small, metallic-colored insects that prefer temperate climates and often nest in the ground or rotting wood. They go through four stages of metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Sweat Bee, common name for any of a large family of bees, many of which are attracted to the salts in human perspiration. Most sweat bees are small to medium-sized, 3 to 10 mm (0.12 to 0.40 in) long. They are generally black or metallic colored, and …

Missouri has many species of halictid bees, or sweat bees. Some are solitary, but a number show different levels of social behavior. They're named for their attraction to perspiration, which offers them precious moisture and salts.