Striped SweaT Bees
Agapostemon Spp.
Photo Credit: George Yanicki
Bees in this genus have a distinctive metallic green color. Unlike other sweat bees in the Halictidae family, bees of the genus Agapostemon (which means “stamen lover”) do not actually drink human sweat.
Sweat bees make their nests in the ground, preferring sandy soil on slopes. They may nest communally in groups or alone. These bees are not aggressive, although they may deliver a mild sting if crushed.
The City Nature Challenge is a global citizen science bio-blitz held annually. Last year, over 66,394 people from cities around the world documented urban biodiversity on the first weekend of May. Together, they submitted 2.4 million observations for more than 65,682+ species, including more than 3,940+ rare/endangered/threatened species. In Lethbridge, we had 16 observers submit 844 observations of 278 species. Can you help us top this in 2025?