Halictini

The Halictini are a tribe of bees belonging to the family Halictidae, commonly known as sweat bees. They are characterized by their small to medium-sized bodies, typically ranging from 5 to 15 millimeters in length. Halictini bees are known for their diverse and often colorful appearances, with many species exhibiting metallic or iridescent hues.

These bees are primarily solitary nesters, with each female constructing her own nest in the ground or in plant stems. They are generalist pollinators, visiting a wide range of flowers and playing a crucial role in the pollination of many plant species. Halictini bees are also known for their unique behavior of "buzz pollination," where they vibrate their bodies to dislodge pollen from flowers.

The tribe Halictini is found worldwide, with the highest diversity in temperate and tropical regions. They are particularly abundant in areas with diverse floral resources. The taxonomy of Halictini is complex, with numerous species and subspecies described, but ongoing research continues to clarify their classification.

Halictini bees are of interest to both scientists and hobbyists due to their ecological importance and aesthetic appeal. Their study contributes to our understanding of pollination ecology and bee diversity. However, like many other bee species, Halictini are facing threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.