A species of Metallic green bees, Also known as Honey-tailed Striped-Sweat bee
Agapostemon melliventris is a fleece-winged insect from the Halictidae family. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1874 by Cresson.
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Human Stinging
General Info About Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
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Attributes of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Blue
Habitat
underground; flower
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, honeydew, flowers' secretions
Venomous
The Honey-tailed striped sweat bee can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Honey-tailed striped sweat bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Honey-tailed striped sweat bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
It is found in the northwestern United States.
Distribution Area of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
Western North America
Life Cycle of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
Egg After being laid by the female, the egg of honey-tailed striped sweat bee undergoes a stage of growth inside a protected environment, usually within a nest or on a substrate. The egg is minute and typically oval-shaped, lacking distinguishable features or mobility.
Larva The larva of honey-tailed striped sweat bee hatches from the egg with a worm-like appearance, possessing a voracious appetite for growth. It molts several times, growing larger and may vary in color. The larva focuses on eating and growing, lacking wings and reproductive capabilities.
Pupal The pupal stage of honey-tailed striped sweat bee signifies a period of transformation within a protective casing. During this time, honey-tailed striped sweat bee is immobile and undergoes significant changes. Its body reorganizes to form adult structures; changes in shape and function are profound.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult honey-tailed striped sweat bee’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and, in some cases, colony activities.
Interesting Facts About Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
Honey-tailed striped sweat bees are known for their dazzling metallic hues, differing vastly in coloration within the same species which serves as a unique form of intraspecific identification.
Scientific Classification of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
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Adult Habitat of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Habitat Preferences of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee Through Different Life Stages
The larval stage of honey-tailed striped sweat bee is typically found underground in the nests constructed by the female. These nests are often located in well-drained soil and sunny areas with sparse vegetation. The search process would involve carefully digging around these areas. Adult honey-tailed striped sweat bee are commonly found on or around flowers where they forage for nectar and pollen, particularly in meadows, gardens, or fields that offer a variety of flowering plants. To find adults, one should look for them during sunny days when they are most active, hovering or resting on flowers.
Are Honey-tailed striped sweat bee harmful?
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The honey-tailed striped sweat bee can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.
Are Honey-tailed striped sweat bee harmful to humans?
Honey-tailed striped sweat bee is an expert in brewing honey, and generally does not actively attack people, but it also has stings like other bees. When it is threatened or the nest is destroyed, it will take the initiative to attack. There will be slight pain after being stung, and some sensitive people will appear red and swollen.
Harmful Effects of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
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Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Human Stinging
Toxic to Humans
Honey-tailed striped sweat bee's sting, meant for defense, injects mild neurotoxins that may cause temporary pain and swelling in humans. There are generally no severe long-term health effects from the toxin, but discomfort and localized reactions are common immediate responses.
Toxic to Animals
Honey-tailed striped sweat bee utilizes its sting as a defense mechanism. The mild toxicity usually results in discomfort rather than serious harm. When humans or pets like dogs and cats are stung, they may experience localized pain and swelling. The effects are generally short-lived and seldom lead to severe complications. The adult stage of honey-tailed striped sweat bee is responsible for stinging and potential toxicity.
Does the Honey-tailed striped sweat bee sting humans?
Honey-tailed striped sweat bee typically sting when feeling threatened or if their nest is disturbed. However, females are the only sex with a sting, and they are generally not aggressive towards humans. Stinging is a defense mechanism, and the sting can cause pain and irritation in humans, but honey-tailed striped sweat bee does not have a significant impact on humans due to their solitary nature and less frequent interactions.
Beneficial Effects of Honey-tailed striped sweat bee
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Honey-tailed striped sweat bee is a diligent pollinator, often seen buzzing from flower to flower. Attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents, it collects pollen on its hairy body to feed its offspring. As it moves, pollen is transferred, aiding in plant reproduction. This process is vital for ecosystem health and agriculture.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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