Lasioglossum malachurum

Indigenous and wild

Mediterranean to semi-arid

From spring to autumn (March to October).

Very common (among the most abundant wild bees in Tunisia).

Size

6 - 8 mm (very small)

Color

Black body with slight metallic brown reflections, with narrow bands of whitish hairs at the base of the abdominal segments.

Particularities

Females have a distinctive groove at the tip of the abdomen.

Aggressiveness

None. Too small to pierce human skin with its stinger.

Swarming

Not applicable (founding queens create small underground nests where they raise a first generation of workers).

Propolis Use

None (digs vertical nests directly into compact soil).

Robbing

Not applicable.

Excellent adaptation to dry and compacted soils (paths, clearings, vineyards, orchards).

Does not produce harvestable honey. However, its strong presence guarantees the pollination of orchard ground cover and small wild flowers. Avoiding excessive plowing on paths helps its conservation.

Visits a very large number of plants (generalist), playing a key role in maintaining low-growing wild flora (Brassicaceae, Asteraceae).