In Minnesota, there are five described species within the genus Agapostemon. Bees in this genus nest in the ground in either a solitary or communal nest. Agapostemon is one of four metallic green sweat bee genera that occur in Minnesota. The other three are Augochlora, Augochlorella, and Augochloropsis. In general, Agapostemon are larger than the other genera. Bees in this genus have a metallic green head and thorax, are medium-sized, and range in length from 7 to 18 mm (0.25 to 0.7 inches).
 

Agapostemon males have a black abdomen with yellow stripes, yellow legs, and a yellow labrum. Of the five species that occur in Minnesota, all females have a green abdomen except for Agapostemon virescens that has a black abdomen with white stripes. Females have a raised rim around the propodeum, and both males and females have gray-green compound eyes. Agapostemon are polylectic; that is, they do not specialize on particular plant pollens. However, they can be frequently observed visiting plants in the family Asteraceae, particularly from late spring until autumn.