In Minnesota, there are four described species within the genus Halictus. Bees in this genus nest in the ground and have social nests. Halictus have a dark gray or black integument and complete (uninterrupted) apical hair bands on the rims of the abdominal tergites (segments). They are small- to medium-sized, and range in length from 7 to 13 mm (0.25 to 0.5 inches).
 

Halictus closely resemble bees in the genus Lasioglossum. Both genera have strongly arched basal wing veins and females have a furrow (or slit) on the fifth tergite. These characters distinguish Halictini from similar-looking Colletes and Andrena. Halictus are generally larger than Lasioglossum, more robustly-shaped, and have complete apical abdominal hair bands (as opposed to the basal hair bands for the majority of Lasioglossum). In addition to apical hair bands, Halictus can also have less obvious basal hair bands. Their solid-colored dark brown/black eyes are useful for telling Halictini from Melissodes, Calliopsis, and Protandrena, that usually have lighter gray, green, or bluish eyes. Halictus confusus is an outlier: their dark eyes have a colorful metallic matrix or green gleam. Halictus rubicundus females commonly land on human skin to feed on sweat and can be attracted to mineral-rich liquids such as urine. Although females can sting, they rarely do, and stings aren’t painful.