![]() ![]() ![]() When to look for them: Sweat bees are active as adults from spring through fall. Habitat: Woodland edges, gardens, meadows, prairies and old fields tectus) 200 species worldwideĭistribution: Sweat bees are found throughout most of the world except Australia, New Zealand and southern Asia, including Indonesia Numbers: About five subgenera and 10 species in North America (north of Mexico) seven species east of the Mississippi, including one introduced species ( H. What is fascinating about this bee genus is that some species will nest socially in a geographic region that has a long growing season, while others have solitary nests in regions where the growing season is shorter, often in northern climates or high-altitude sites. These bees can produce two or three generations in a given growing season. Unlike the majority of wild (native) bees, which have solitary nests, sweat bees ( Halictus) are eusocial, with one female (queen) doing all the egg laying and her female offspring (workers) helping with foraging and rearing the developing brood. For this reason, make sure you have at least three plants flowering at any given time throughout the growing season. These medium-size bees are active from spring through fall and need a consistent supply of food. Their main diet, like that of all bees, is pollen and nectar produced by flowers. They can be very persistent when they have found a good source but are unlikely to sting you unless you accidentally squish them or swat them. Sweat bees get their common name from their behavior of landing on skin on hot summer days to feed on sweat. ![]()
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