HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > APOIDEA > Halicidae

Lasioglossum morio is a small metallic brassy-green coloured bee that can be distinguished from three other superficially similar species by the rather dull, densely punctured scutum, which has defined microsculpture between the punctures. It is widespread and relatively common over much of southern Britain and is the most frequently recorded and, probably, the only member of this group that I'm likely to find locally.

Taking a look at the other species, the NBN Atlas shows that the last confirmed sighting of Lasioglossum smeathmanellum from Dorset (VC9) was back in 2018, and Lasioglossum leucopus some years before that. Lasioglossum cupromicans, has never been recorded from anywhere along the south coast. The iRecord database, however, includes a couple of more recent entries for Lasioglossum smeathmanellum that are currently 'pending review', which is worth noting as they're from the Portland area, presumably from coastal sites or quarries.

Lasioglossum morio occurs in a wide range of habitats with females possibly being seen from as early as March, males usually from June, and with both sexes persisting through to October.