Chilalictus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Chilalictus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chilalictus bee on capeweed flower | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Halictidae |
| Genus: | Lasioglossum |
| Subgenus: | Chilalictus Michener, 1965 |
Chilalictus is a subgenus of the bee genus Lasioglossum, which is in the family Halictidae. It comprises 139 species, which are found throughout Australia.[1] They are tiny to medium-sized bees (3-12mm long).[2] The species vary widely in appearance, with some having bright metallic markings on the dorsal surfaces of the body, while others (generally the larger species) are non-metallic and dark coloured.[3] The abdominal terga usually have basal hair bands.[4] They visit a wide variety of plants.[5]