Halictidae | |
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Halictus scabiosae - MHNT | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Clade: | Anthophila |
Family: | Halictidae Thomson, 1869, nom. protect. |
Subfamilies | |
Halictidae is the second-largest family of bees[1] (clade Anthophila) with nearly 4,500 species.[2] They are commonly called sweat bees (especially the smaller species), as they are often attracted to perspiration.[3][4] Halictid species are an extremely diverse group that can vary greatly in appearance. These bees occur all over the world and are found on every continent[4] except Antarctica.[5] Usually dark-colored (frequently brown or black) and often metallic, halictids are found in various sizes, colors and patterns. Several species are all or partly green and a few are red, purple, or blue.[4] A number of them have yellow markings, especially the males, which commonly have yellow faces, a pattern widespread among the various families of bees. The family is one of many with short tongues[6] and is best distinguished by the arcuate (strongly curved) basal vein found on the wing.[7] Females in this family tend to be larger than the males.[6] They are the group for which the term 'eusocial' was first coined by entomologist, Suzanne Batra.
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