Agapostemon coloradinus, Colorado Striped Sweat Bee
- pollinators1
- Oct 15
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Agapostemon coloradinus (the Colorado Striped Sweat Bee) is a colorful creature named after a colorful state! Males have dazzling metallic green upper bodies, and abdomens with distinctive yellow and black stripes. Females lack stripes, but do have bands of short white hairs on their undersides, which help them carry pollen to their underground nests. These non-stinging solitary bees have been found in a variety of habitats, and while their range may stretch across the Southern Rocky Mountains, little is known about their specific behaviors or needs. Their numbers have likely declined as our native grasslands and prairies have been converted to agricultural lands and lawns, dramatically reducing the diversity of native plants that are critical to supporting our native pollinators.
In 2022, People & Pollinators Action Network (PPAN) championed CO Senate Bill 22-199 at the legislature, in which the CO Department of Natural Resources commissioned a study on our state's native pollinating insects.
Insects, often underestimated, play a remarkable role in our state's landscapes. Not only are they cool, but they are also vital contributors to essential ecosystem services. From pollination to waste decomposition, insects support Colorado's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the rivers.
Join us as we delve into the world of this fascinating wildlife and learn about the Colorado Native Pollinating Insects Study (2024) report! Check out page 40 to discover more about the Colorado Striped Sweat Bee!
