Sweat bees are a widespread and diverse group of insects found across almost every continent. They often go unnoticed due to their small size, yet they play an important role in many ecosystems. Their intriguing common name hints at a particular interaction they have with humans.
The Reason Behind the Name
The common name “sweat bee” originates from these insects’ attraction to human perspiration. When people are active outdoors, sweat bees may land on exposed skin to consume the moisture. Sweat contains salts and minerals, such as sodium and proteins, that are important for the bees’ diet and survival.
Adult sweat bees primarily feed on nectar and pollen. However, the salts and other nutrients found in human sweat serve as a supplemental source, particularly for female bees who may need these minerals for their developing young. By seeking out human sweat, these bees are fulfilling a specific dietary need that might be harder to obtain from typical plant sources alone.
What Exactly Are Sweat Bees?
Sweat bees belong to the scientific family Halictidae, which is one of the largest and most diverse bee families globally. This family includes nearly 4,500 species, with over 500 in North America. They vary in appearance, ranging in size from tiny (3 millimeters) to medium (15 millimeters), and can be slender or more robust.
Many sweat bee species are recognized by their metallic coloration, including vibrant shades of green, blue, purple, or bronze. Other species may be duller, appearing black or brown, sometimes with pale bands of hair on their abdomens. A distinguishing feature of Halictidae bees is a strongly curved basal vein in their wings. Many sweat bees are generalist pollinators, foraging on a wide variety of flowers, some species are specialists. They play a significant role in pollinating native wildflowers and agricultural crops, including alfalfa, apples, sunflowers, and watermelons.
Interacting with Sweat Bees
Despite their attraction to human sweat, sweat bees are generally not aggressive. They will typically only sting if they feel physically threatened or are provoked, such as being swatted at or accidentally squished. The sting of a sweat bee is considered one of the mildest among bees, often described as a light prick or a minor, temporary irritation. For most individuals, the effects are minimal, similar to a mosquito bite.
Female sweat bees can sting, while males cannot. If a sweat bee lands on you, staying calm is recommended. The bee is likely seeking moisture and salts from your perspiration and will often fly away on its own. If you wish to remove it, gently brushing it off is usually effective without provoking a sting.
For those with severe bee sting allergies, however, any bee sting, including that of a sweat bee, warrants caution and immediate medical attention if symptoms of anaphylaxis occur. To discourage sweat bees, avoiding floral scents, limiting exposed skin when sweating heavily, and removing standing water or bare soil patches in your yard can be helpful.