Lasioglossum ovaliceps
This record describes Lasioglossum ovaliceps (species). Recorded family: Halictidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Bright red metasoma and long face are distinct among the Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) sp.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Halictidae (Sweat, Furrow, Nomiine, and Short-faced Bees)
- Subfamily
- Halictinae
- Tribe
- Halictini
- Genus
- Lasioglossum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern British Columbia, to South Dakota, to New Mexico, west to southern California. Discover Life Global Map
Seasonal Activity
April to August
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Cryptantha, Phacelia, Fallugia, Salix . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) ovaliceps (Cockerell, 1898)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lasioglossum ovaliceps. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lasioglossum ovaliceps (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasioglossum ovaliceps
What is Lasioglossum ovaliceps?
Lasioglossum ovaliceps is a species in the family Halictidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Lasioglossum ovaliceps?
Bright red metasoma and long face are distinct among the Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) sp.
Where is Lasioglossum ovaliceps found?
Range: Southern British Columbia, to South Dakota, to New Mexico, west to southern California. Discover Life Global Map
What does Lasioglossum ovaliceps eat?
The diet of the Lasioglossum ovaliceps includes Cryptantha, Phacelia, Fallugia, Salix . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Lasioglossum ovaliceps active?
Lasioglossum ovaliceps: seasonal activity - April to August.