Sweat bee

Sweat bee is a common name for bees in the family Halictidae, a large and diverse group of mostly solitary bees.

Sweat bee is a common name for bees in the family Halictidae, a large and diverse group of mostly solitary bees. They are named for their habit of landing on human skin to drink sweat for salts and minerals, and they are important pollinators of wild plants and some crops.

Classification and diversity

Sweat bees belong to the family Halictidae in the order Hymenoptera. The family is very large and diverse, with nearly 4,500 species.

Appearance and behaviour

Sweat bees are typically small to medium-sized and often dark, sometimes with metallic coloration. They are known for drinking sweat to obtain salts and minerals. Like most bees, they do not produce honey and generally sting only when provoked.

Distribution and habitat

Sweat bees occur on every continent except Antarctica and are found in many habitats. They are especially associated with flowering areas where they forage for nectar and pollen.

Ecological importance

Sweat bees are native pollinators that support wild plant reproduction and agricultural production. They are important pollinators of wild plants and crops such as alfalfa, apples, watermelon, stone fruits, and sunflowers, and are considered beneficial insects in many ecosystems.