Metallic Green Bee - Nesting

Augochlora pura

Description:

This 7 ft. dead pine tree trunk with numerous woodpecker holes has become a spring nesting complex for these Metallic Green bees. The females create cells for each egg inside these holes and provision each cell with pollen. A. pura is one of the few halictid bees known to nest in decomposing wood.

Habitat:

Range: Quebec and Maine to Minnesota, south to Texas and Florida. Nests in wood. Feeds on pollen; prairies, meadows, roadsides, gardens.

Notes:

During the afternoon the females can be seen sitting inside the entrance with their heads facing out. Research has shown that the females forage during the morning hours and construct the nesting cells only at night. I have observed at least 12 occupied holes, and more bees looking for an appropriate nesting spot.

Species ID Suggestions

16 Comments

Small Wonders 11 years ago

Thank you so much Neil... My time is devoted to living and learning with nature & I am very grateful to have Project Noah to share my experiences, as well as learning from the experiences of others! Thanks again :)

NeilDazet 11 years ago

Wow... you have an outstanding collection of photos. This spotting is excellent. I love learning new things on Project Noah. These detailed photos and notes of this bee's nesting behaviors certainly provide a great learning opportunity for curious people like me who know very little about insects. Good job!!

Small Wonders 11 years ago

Thanks Ashish...!!

Ashish Nimkar 11 years ago

Great shots.... Striking....!!

barefeetbilly 11 years ago

These are a favorite! Little green metal bugs.

Small Wonders 12 years ago

Thank you so much Gordon!

Gordon Dietzman 12 years ago

Great photos. I really like the first and third shots. Well done!

Small Wonders 12 years ago

Thank you everyone for your comments! I work hard to keep these habitats protected - it's very rewarding to witness these ecosystems working as they should :)