HYMENOPTERA > APOCRITA | Aculeata > APOIDEA > Halicidae

Although it has been recorded from various scattered locations across the south, Lasioglossum prasinum is primarily associated with dry lowland heath typical of that found in Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset where it nests in firm sandy ground on sunny south-facing slopes or on ridges alongside footpaths.  

The females have conspicuous abdominal markings comprising grey bands that run across the front margins of tergites 2 and 3, as well as on the sides of tergite 1. The tip of the abdomen has a similar, although sparser covering, which gives the 'grey-tailed' appearance. Personally, I see the colour as more of a fawn-grey but, none the less, the combination of markings makes the species quite distinctive. They have a densely punctured, dull-grey thorax, which has a slight green tinge in certain light, and an oval head when viewed from the front. The slightly smaller and darker males can also be distinguished if you get a good close-up view of the end of the abdomen, which is slightly downturned with an enlarged, entirely or partially, red tip.

Females may be seen from April right through to October, males mostly in August or September.