Brassy Mining Bee

This is the commonest of the four Lasioglossum species with metallic colouration. Both sexes are distinguished from other species by the densely punctate, dull scutum which has clear microsculpture between the punctures. Some females of Lasioglossum leucopus can be difficult to separate, but morio has a duller thorax, duller hind margins to the upper part of the propodeum, and minute transverse ridges on the apical depression of tergite 2. Male antennae are yellow below, labrum is entire (no median depression - c.f. L. smeathmanellum ). L. leucopus also has dense and even-sized punctures on the scutum but lacks the ridges on tergites 2 and 3. L. smeathmanellum and L. cupromicans both have a scutum with sparce punctures of variable size. L. smeathmanellum has a propodeum that is dull and rugose whereas in L. cupromicans it is smooth and shining. Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’). The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings. The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters. Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future. Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS Facebook Group . If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’. Found in a wide range of habitats, where it exploits various flowers. Females are active from late March to the end of October, males from late June to late October (exceptionally early November). It can sometimes be found nesting in the soft mortar walls or in exposed soil.