Pure Green Augochlora

Beautiful, shiny green bee, covered in pollen!

These bees are referred to as "sweat bees" because they like to lick sweat from human skin, most likely seeking salt. Electrolytes such as sodium are important for nerve and muscle function, in addition to a variety of other life processes. So, it appears that sweat bees imbibe human sweat in order to help them maintain homeostasis.

Spotted in a rural garden.