Sweat Bee

Halictidae

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+4 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestsriver bankswood piles

Taxonomic Group

Bee

Order

Hymenoptera

Family

Halictidae

Lifecycle

Sweat bees undergo a complete metamorphosis with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The life cycle begins when a female lays an egg on a provisioned mass of pollen and nectar within a waterproof cell, which is then sealed. The larva hatches and consumes the provided food to fuel its development. After the larval stage, it pupates within the cell and emerges as an adult. Depending on the species and climate, there can be multiple generations per year. For social species, the first generation of offspring often become workers, assisting their mother in raising the next generation. The final generation of females in a season will mate and then overwinter to start new nests in the spring.

Overwintering Strategy

Mated females overwinter in nests located in the ground, in rotting wood, or under logs, often in a state of diapause.

Native Range

Worldwide, found on every continent except Antarctica

Attracted By

human sweatsunflowersastersblack-eyed Susansconeflowersdaisiesrock rosesalviaspenstemons

Repelled By

citrus essential oilspeppermint oilstrong artificial scentsinsect repellents

Companion Planting

To attract sweat bees and enhance pollination, consider planting tomatoes, which are often visited by sweat bees. Companion plants that are also attractive to sweat bees and can be planted nearby include Germanders, Tall Coreopsis, and Pale Purple Coneflower. Additionally, planting New Jersey tea, pale beard-tongue, wild hyacinth, and ragworts can help increase pollination from sweat bees and other native pollinators.