Lasioglossum hemichalceum

Description

Lasioglossum hemichalceum, otherwise known as L. erythrurum, is a sweat bee that is known to occupy certain regions of Australia. Large numbers of unrelated female members will typically share a single nest. Unlike other bees, these nests are constructed underground by the independent efforts of the females. L. hemichalceum will typically begin creating new colonies during the summer, and will conduct brood production in late November through the first few months of spring. The genetic relatedness of L. hemichalceum members varies depending on the members' relationships with one another. Unlike other species of bees, the members of this species do not demonstrate aggressive behavior towards one another. In addition, an interesting fact about L. hemichalceum is that as the size of the colony increases, the reproductive potential of each female does not change. This is different from other species of bees.