🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Spined Sweat Bee

Agapostemon splendens

About Spined Sweat Bee

A brilliantly iridescent green sweat bee with bluish reflections found in the eastern United States. Both sexes are entirely metallic green, unlike many other Agapostemon species.

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Did You Know?

It strongly prefers nesting in moist or damp soil near water, unlike most other sweat bees that prefer drier substrates.

How to Identify Spined Sweat Bee

Spined Sweat Bee (Agapostemon splendens) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Halictidae. Adults typically measure 9-12 mm.

Spined Sweat Bee Habitat

Spined Sweat Bee is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Spined Sweat Bee Diet and Feeding

Spined Sweat Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.

Where Is Spined Sweat Bee Found?

Spined Sweat Bee can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Spined Sweat Bee can be found

Is Spined Sweat Bee Dangerous?

Spined Sweat Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Spined Sweat Bee Role in Nature

Spined Sweat Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.

Seasonal Activity

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Spined Sweat Bee

What does Spined Sweat Bee look like?

The Spined Sweat Bee typically measures 9-12 mm.

Where is Spined Sweat Bee found?

The Spined Sweat Bee is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.

What does Spined Sweat Bee eat?

The Spined Sweat Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.

Is Spined Sweat Bee dangerous to humans?

The Spined Sweat Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.

What is an interesting fact about Spined Sweat Bee?

It strongly prefers nesting in moist or damp soil near water, unlike most other sweat bees that prefer drier substrates.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Spined Sweat Bee (Agapostemon splendens). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spined-sweat-bee

MLA:
"Spined Sweat Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spined-sweat-bee.