In Minnesota, there are eighty-four described species within the genus Lasioglossum. Most species in this genus nest in the ground except for four species that nest in pre-existing wood cavities. The sociality is broad in this genus with some species having a solitary nest and others a communal or eusocial nest. Social females mate in autumn then overwinter in the ground. Four Lasioglossum species are parasitic (cleptoparasitic) of other Lasioglossum species. Bees in this genus closely resemble Halictus but are generally smaller in size (especially the species that occur in the subgenus Dialictus). Also, Lasioglossum have basal hair bands (underneath the rims of the next previous tergite) on the abdominal tergites (segments), whereas Halictus have apical hair bands on the rims of the tergites.  

Lasioglossum can have a dark gray or black integument (less often blue) with either extensive metallic highlights or not. The forewing has either two or three submarginal cells and a strongly arched basal vein. Bees in this genus can be extremely small to small-medium and range in length from 2 to 12 mm (0.07 to 0.47 inches). Note: The vast majority of Lasioglossum species are very difficult to identify and can only be accurately identified with a microscope, and expert review and determination.