Pure Gold-Green Sweat Bee – 9/4/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 9/4/20

Observation Time:  1:10 p.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: Pure Gold-Green Sweat Bee

Scientific Name: Augochlora pura

Comments: The pure gold-green sweat bee is a solitary sweat bee native to the eastern United States with striking green iridescence. This species is an important native pollinator in eastern deciduous forests and other habitats. It emerges in spring and remains active throughout the summer and early fall. As the common name of this group suggests, sweat bees are attracted to human sweat, which they lick to consume salts.

The specimen in the photos was feeding on a whorled wood aster blossom in the woods.

More Information: U. of Florida Featured Creatures