Fine striped sweat bee

Agapostemon subtilior

Females of this species are brilliant metallic green, while males often have yellow-and-black striped abdomens, mimicking wasps for protection.

Scientific name: Agapostemon subtilior
Taxonomy: Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Halictidae › Agapostemon
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Open meadows, prairies, gardens, and forest edges with abundant wildflowers.
Diet: Generalist nectar and pollen feeder, visiting a wide variety of floral hosts.
Range: Western North America, United States, Canada, Mexico
Size: 7 to 12 millimeters in length.
Lifespan: Approximately 1 year; adult activity lasts a few weeks to months.
Active: diurnal
Threats: Pesticide use, habitat fragmentation, and loss of native flowering plants.
Safe to approach?: Harmless and non-aggressive. They may land on skin to lick salt from sweat; do not swat, simply brush away gently. Stings are rare and mild, but those with bee allergies should use caution. If stung, wash the area with soap and water.

Agapostemon subtilior is a North American species of sweat bee commonly known as the fine striped sweat bee .

Photo: Don Loarie, CC-BY, via iNaturalist