Insects and Spiders - native

Halictid Wasp (family Halictidae) on Sep 15, 2008

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

The insect species resembled a bumble bee, except that its head was green. The species was less than a centimeter in length, kelly green head (not metallic), with black and yellow striped body.

Commentary

I'm just curious what the name of this species is. I've never seen or heard of such an insect.

Reporter
Sept. 15, 2008, 3:07 p.m.

Hi Elle, I've passed on your information to the OSU insect identification lab. Identification may be difficult without a photo, but we'll see what they can do with your description. I'll get back with you shortly.

Lisa DeBruyckere
Sept. 17, 2008, 9:15 a.m.

Hi Elle, Jim Young at the OSU insect identification lab offered this response:

It sounds like a Halictid wasp from the genus Agapostemon see http://bugguide.net/node/view/7997 for images.

You can check the website hyperlink above to see if the images match those of the insect you saw.

Thanks for your report!

Lisa DeBruyckere
Sept. 18, 2008, 2:26 a.m.

Location

The species was seen in the gravel driveway. It flew into the car I was getting out of.

Expert Reviewer

Ms. Lisa DeBruyckere
Oregon Invasive Species Council Coordinator

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