halictids

Halictids are a diverse family of bees (Halictidae) commonly known as sweat bees. With roughly 4,000 described species worldwide, they occur in most regions and are especially diverse in temperate and tropical habitats. Many species have metallic green, blue, or bronze coloration, though some are dull brown or black.

Members of Halictidae vary widely in size and behavior. They range from solitary to communal or eusocial, and several species exhibit social polymorphism where populations include both solitary and social nests. Females typically excavate burrows in bare or sparsely vegetated soil; a few nest in rotting wood or plant stems. Colonies, when present, are generally small and short-lived compared with honey bees.

Halictids are important generalist pollinators of wild plants and crops. Adults visit a wide variety of flowers for nectar and pollen, and some species are managed or encouraged in agricultural settings. They are attracted to human sweat for salts, which is the origin of the common name; while females can sting, most halictids are not aggressive and stings are usually mild.

Identification relies on morphological traits used by specialists, but field recognition often uses size, metallic sheen, and nesting behavior. Conservation concerns mirror those of other bees: habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and pathogens can reduce populations. Maintaining diverse floral resources and nesting sites supports local halictid diversity.