Furrow Bees
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Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Lasioglossum
- Subfamily
- Halictinae
- Family
- Halictidae
- Super Family
- Apoidea
- Suborder
- Apocrita
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Class
- Insecta
- Subphylum
- Uniramia
- Phylum
- Arthopoda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 1 cm
Furrow Bees are members of the genus Lasioglossum, which contains around 20% of Australia's native bee species and are (discounting the commercial Honey Bee) the most abundant bees around the world.
What do Furrow Bees look like?
Identification
Furrow Bees are generally medium-sized black or dark brown bees with broad white bands of hair across their abdomen. Lasioglossum lanarium is one of the larger species of Furrow Bee (about 1 cm).
© CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Where do Furrow Bees live?
Habitat
Furrow Bees live in urban areas, forests and woodlands, heath. Most species nest in the ground and a number of females use the entrance and main shaft but dig their own tunnel off to the side.
Distribution
Furrow Bees are found throughout Australia.
Are Furrow Bees dangerous to humans?
Danger to humans
All female Furrow Bees have a sting, but use it only if you hold them. The sting may hurt briefly but usually does not cause swelling. There is, however, a single report of a sting by Lasioglossum lanarium causing anaphylactic shock and death of a person known to be sensitive to bee stings. By contrast, European Honey Bee stings often cause sustained local pain and swelling. One in one hundred people are allergic to Honey Bee stings and two people die annually due to an allergic reaction. In case of breathing problems or collapse following a bee sting, immediately call an ambulance.
