Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum

Lasioglossum (Homalictus)Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum Lasioglossum (Homalictus) urbanum

Images and Contributor Author Gary Taylor ◦

One of the traits that separate the Lasioglossum (Homalictus), (a tiny species approximately 3-4 mm) from others such as Eurglossinae (like Hylaeines) is that Lasioglossum (Homalictus) collect pollen on their underside (under their abdomen), whilst Euryglossinae don’t collect pollen externally, they ingest it.

Another trait that aids in the identification of Lasioglossum (Homalictus) is the placement of the antennae. This simple “giveaway” physical traits that separate the families, even if they do look a bit similar… is the location of the antennae sockets, which in the Euryglossinae family, a sub family in the major family Colletidae, is set well below the mid point of the eye. Antennae being “set low”, is defined as being set well below the mid point of the eye.

In this side on view of this native bee, you can see the antennae are set higher up, closer to the mid point of the eye, a trait of the Lasioglossum (Homalictus), in this example Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum.

The other feature that identify some species in the subgenus Homalictus including this species Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum is the colour of the thorax, metallic green sheen colours with reddish brown abdomen.

Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum have been recorded across mainland Australia in New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

The following Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum was found on a Eucalyptus todtiana (Coastal Blackbutt). In the family Halictidae, glossy 1st tergum = Homalictus.

Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum belongs to the subfamily Halictinae, a group of native bees that are commonly called Sweat and Furrow Bees. Once known as Homalictus dotatus, the reclassification has changed the name to “Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum“.

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• Scientific classification
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Subphylum: Hexapoda
• Class: Insecta
• Informal: Pterygotes
• Order: Hymenoptera
• Superfamily: Apoidea
• Informal: Apiformes
• Family: Halictidae
• Subfamily: Halictinae
• Genus: Lasioglossum
• Subgenus: infrageneric Homalictus
• Species: Lasioglossum dotatum

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Lasioglossum (Homalictus)Lasioglossum (Homalictus) dotatum Lasioglossum (Homalictus) urbanum

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