Table of contents
Introduction
The Smeathman’s Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum smeathmanellum) is a small but widespread solitary bee commonly found across much of the UK. It is active for a long part of the year and is often overlooked due to its modest size and subtle colouring.
You’re most likely to encounter this species in gardens, parks, grassland, and hedgerows, particularly where there are patches of bare or lightly vegetated ground. Despite its small stature, it plays a valuable role in pollinating a wide range of flowering plants, especially low-growing wildflowers.
Although currently considered common, the Smeathman’s Furrow Bee is still affected by habitat loss, soil disturbance, and pesticide use. In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify Lasioglossum smeathmanellum, recognise similar furrow bees, and understand why even small solitary bees are important pollinators.
Identification & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Smeathman’s Furrow Bee |
| Latin Name | Lasioglossum smeathmanellum |
| Size | Females: ~6–8 mm, Males: ~5–7 mm |
| Location | Widespread across the UK |
| Active Months | March to October |
| Habitat | Gardens, grassland, parks, hedgerows |
| Nesting Behaviour | Underground nests in bare or lightly vegetated soil |
| Social Behaviour | Solitary or weakly social |
| Flora | Dandelion, daisy, buttercup, small wildflowers |
| UK Status | Common |
How to Identify the Smeathman’s Furrow Bee
The Smeathman’s Furrow Bee is a very small, slender bee with a dark brown to black body and a subtle metallic sheen when seen in good light. Its understated appearance means it is often mistaken for a small fly or ignored altogether.
In the UK, it is most often seen flying close to the ground or visiting low-growing flowers in lawns, verges, and open grassy areas. Its fast, darting flight and small size are useful identification clues.
Physical Characteristics
- Female – Slightly larger, dark-bodied with faint hair bands and pollen carried on the hind legs.
- Male – Smaller and slimmer, often with longer antennae and less visible pollen-carrying hairs.
Similar Species
Smeathman’s Furrow Bee can be difficult to distinguish from other small furrow bees:
- Common Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum calceatum) – Slightly larger and often shows clearer abdominal hair bands.
- Sharp-collared Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum malachurum) – Typically more robust and often found in denser nesting aggregations.
- Small Sweat Bees (Halictus species) – Often chunkier with stronger banding.
If you’re unsure which bee you’ve spotted, our Bee Identification guide can help you narrow down UK species by size, colour, and behaviour.
Why the Smeathman’s Furrow Bee Matters
The Smeathman’s Furrow Bee contributes significantly to the pollination of small wildflowers and garden plants. Its long active season means it supports pollination from early spring through to autumn.
By visiting many low-growing flowers that larger bees may overlook, it helps maintain plant diversity and supports insects and wildlife further up the food chain.
FAQs
No. This species is very gentle and rarely stings. It generally avoids contact with people.
It is active for much of the year, typically from March to October.
No. It is a common and widespread species.
Females can sting, but stings are extremely rare and usually only occur if the bee is trapped.
How You Can Help
Supporting the Smeathman’s Furrow Bee is simple and well-suited to gardens and public green spaces:
🌿 Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
- Dandelion, daisy, buttercup, clover, small wildflowers
🚫 Avoid Harmful Pesticides
- Avoid insecticides that contaminate nectar and pollen
🏡 Provide Nesting Spaces
- Leave small areas of bare or lightly vegetated soil undisturbed
By allowing wildflowers to bloom and leaving patches of natural ground, you help support the Smeathman’s Furrow Bee and many other small solitary pollinators.
