Photo By Bob Peterson , used under CC-BY /Cropped and compressed from original
Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Agapostemon splendens
A species of Metallic green bees, Also known as Brown-winged Striped-Sweat bee
Agapostemon splendens is a fleece-winged insect from the Halictidae family. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1841 by Lepeletier.
Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Human Stinging
General Info About Brown-winged striped sweat bee
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Attributes of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
Habitat
underground; flower
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, pollen, fermented tree sap, honeydew, fruit juices
Larva Food Source
Pollen, nectar, insect secretions
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Brown-winged 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 Brown-winged 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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Life Cycle of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Egg Eggs of brown-winged striped sweat bee are tiny and laid in secure environments, often not resembling the adult stage. They are typically oval and may vary in color based on species.
Larva Brown-winged striped sweat bee in the larval stage is worm-like, with a soft, elongated body. It grows rapidly, molting several times as it increases in size but remains legless or with underdeveloped legs.
Pupal During the pupal stage, brown-winged striped sweat bee undergoes transformation enclosed in a cocoon-like structure. This inactive phase is characterized by significant metamorphosis, as tissues and organs are reorganized.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult brown-winged 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.
Adult Size of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
7 - 15 mm
Predators of Brown-winged striped sweat bee Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, insectivorous insects
Predators of Adult Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Birds, spiders, insectivorous insects, small mammals
Interesting Facts About Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Brown-winged striped sweat bee are solitary bees known for their dazzling metallic green color and the nesting habits that include creating burrows in the ground.
Scientific Classification of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
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Adult Habitat of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
Grasslands and Prairies, Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Habitat Preferences of Brown-winged striped sweat bee Through Different Life Stages
The adult brown-winged striped sweat bee is commonly found hovering over flowers in sunny, open habitats, such as meadows, gardens, and parks, where they forage for nectar and pollen. Larvae develop in underground nests, constructed in well-drained soils, often in bare or sparsely vegetated areas. To search for larvae, one would need to carefully excavate the soil, looking for the entrance to the nest marked by small mounds or openings. For pupae, closely examine the structure within the nests, where they transform into adults. The nests are most commonly located in sunny spots that can maintain a stable temperature necessary for the pupae's development.
Are Brown-winged striped sweat bee harmful?
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The brown-winged 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 Brown-winged striped sweat bee harmful to humans?
Brown-winged 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 Brown-winged striped sweat bee
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Toxic to Humans
Toxic to Animals
Human Stinging
Toxic to Humans
Brown-winged striped sweat bee poses a mild threat to humans, primarily using venom in self-defense or when hunting prey. Encounters leading to stings may occur accidentally. The venom, while not aggressively toxic, can cause discomfort and localized symptoms. Severe complications are rare, with most effects being short-term.
Toxic to Animals
Brown-winged striped sweat bee utilizes its sting as a defense mechanism and a means to subdue prey. The sting delivers a venom that can cause a mild level of discomfort. In humans, a sting might result in localized pain and swelling. Cats and birds may exhibit discomfort or distress when stung, displaying similar symptoms to humans. Other bees and smaller insects may experience paralysis or even death if they are targeted, demonstrating how the same toxin can have varied effects across different animal groups.
Does the Brown-winged striped sweat bee sting humans?
Brown-winged striped sweat bee typically stings only when threatened or disturbed, often due to human encroachment on its habitat. Stinging is a defense mechanism, and since only females have stingers, male brown-winged striped sweat bee cannot sting. The sting can trigger allergic reactions, but brown-winged striped sweat bee rarely stings without provocation. Post-sting, brown-winged striped sweat bee often survives without harm, unlike some Hymenoptera species.
Beneficial Effects of Brown-winged striped sweat bee
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Brown-winged striped sweat bee is a vibrant pollinator, attracted by the vivid colors and enticing scents of flowers. It collects pollen primarily to feed its offspring, transferring pollen from one bloom to another as it moves, inadvertently aiding in plant reproduction.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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