LASIOGLOSSUM MALACHURUM Meaning and
Definition
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Lasioglossum malachurum is a species of small bee belonging to the genus Lasioglossum within the family Halictidae. Commonly known as the Green Furrow Bee, Lasioglossum malachurum is found widely across various parts of Europe, including the British Isles. It is a solitary bee species, meaning it does not form colonies and instead prefers to nest individually.
This species of bee is characterized by its small size, typically measuring about 5-7 millimeters in length. The Green Furrow Bee is easily distinguishable by its vibrant metallic green coloration on its thorax and abdomen, which makes it visually striking. It has hairs or fur covering its body, aiding in pollen collection and nest construction.
Lasioglossum malachurum is a pollinator, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by aiding in the reproduction of flowering plants. It feeds on nectar and pollen from a wide range of flowering plants and is particularly attracted to those with composite flowers, such as daisies and asters.
The Green Furrow Bee is known to nest in a variety of habitats, including gardens, meadows, grasslands, and woodland edges. It constructs small nest burrows in the ground or in decaying plant material. Each female bee constructs her own nest, consisting of a series of brood cells where she lays her eggs. After hatching, the larvae feed on pollen and nectar provided by the female before undergoing metamorphosis and emerging as adults.
Etymology of LASIOGLOSSUM MALACHURUM
"Lasioglossum malachurum" is not a single word, but a combination of two binomial scientific names: "Lasioglossum" and "malachurum".
The word "Lasioglossum" is derived from the Greek words "lasio" meaning "hairy" or "shaggy" and "glossa" meaning "tongue". It refers to a genus of small bees in the family Halictidae, which are known for having hairy or shaggy tongues.
On the other hand, "malachurum" is a specific epithet given to a particular species within the genus Lasioglossum. However, the etymology of "malachurum" is unclear, and no specific information regarding its origin or meaning could be found.
