AboutEric R. Eaton Expertise I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
Question I live in Moundville, AL and am bothered by an insect that looks like a miniture bee. It is yellow with black stripes, about 3/8th inches in length and has wings. The "locals" call them sweat bees or good news bees. As a child, I remember it to be good luck if you could get one to perch on your finger. They are very abundant this year to the point of being bothersome. They don't sting. They are smaller than yellowjackets or wasps. What are they? Thanks.
Answer
Mark:
Thank you for the folklore about these insects. Might be able to use it in the field guide I am writing!
Probably are indeed sweat bees, family Halictidae. Another possibility is flower flies of some kind, family Syrphidae. I just learned of a big species of "news bee" that is actually a flower fly, so I suspect that any bee-like insect that hovers before landing is likely to be a flower fly.
There are also "grass flies" in the family Chloropidae that resemble bees. So, lots of possiblities:-) Without seeing the actual critters, that is as close as I will be able to get. Thanks again for your question. Bug me any time!
