Lasioglossum leucozonium

L. leucozonium is part of the subfamily Halictinae, of the Hymenoptera family Halictidae. The largest, most diverse and recently diverged of the four halictid subfamilies, Halictinae (sweat bees) is made up of five tribes of which L. leucozonium is part of Halictini, which contains over 2000 species. Genus Lasioglossum is informally divided into two series: the Lasioglossum series and the Hemihalictus. L. leucozonium is a part of the Old World series and is most closely related to L. callizonium, L. zonulum, and L. majus. However, there is genetic variation within the species depending on its location. == Description and identification ==

While occasionally compared to its close relative, L. zonulum, L. leucozonium has distinct features that separate it from other Lasioglossum species. There are also differences in appearance between females and males. Their eyes contain over 3,000 facets with a maximum diameter of 20 μm. With a 41-μm-thick cornea consisting of a convex inner and outer cornea, it has slightly developed and fused corneal bulges. Its lamina has no branching and only its L2 and L4-fiber types are spread laterally. == Distribution and habitat ==

L. leucozonium is found in open habitats, normally on sandy or chalky soil, though it is also more rarely found on heavy clay. Its nests can sometimes be found in aggregations, although it is a solitary bee. Nest structure Created by one to two females, the nest of L. leucozonium is made in flat to slightly inclined light soil in conditions that are sparsely vegetated or have short grass. Descending vertically, the main tunnel has cells at the end of short side tunnels. Nests can have 8 to 15 cells per female. == Colony cycle ==

In North America, females and males are active around the same time; they are typically most active between the beginning of May and mid-August. Females are most active in early June, while males are most active in late July and August. == Development and reproduction ==

L. leucozonium only produces a single generation per year. == Behavior and ecology ==

L. leucozonium is a diurnal, Nesting biology A mining bee, L. leucozonium digs into the ground to make its nests. One to two females help create the nest, and for each female, 8 to 15 cells are made. Since it is a solitary bee, most likely these females are working communally rather than socially. After the creation of the nest, the offspring leave the nest, mate with others, and then hibernate underground for the winter, most likely in different places from their original nests. == Interaction with other species ==

L. leucozonium, though solitary, They also has been seen visiting apple trees and lowbush blueberries. Flowers L. leucozonium most frequently visit yellow-flowered Asteraceae but have been seen to also visit creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) and other plants, which include plants from Campanula and Rosa as well as Cornus alternifolia. Males are also commonly found on Melilotus. Parasitoids While there are no parasites of the genus Sphecodes that solely parasitize L. leucozonium, S. ephippius has been shown to parasitize it as well as other Lasioglossum. Predation Philanthus wasps are common predators of L. leucozonium. == References ==