Sakagami et al. (1996) describe this and other species of the genus Sudila, which they reinterpret as a sub-genus of Lasioglossum. This subgenus is confined to the mountains of south Asia, and was formerly noted for the presence of "cephalitic gigantism" in the males. That is, some males had very large heads, while others did not. However, Sakagami et al. (1996) show that some species in this group do not have males with this trait. They present photos, illustrations, and distribution maps of all the species in the Sudila group. Lasioglossum alphenum is a medium sized (7.1-8.2 mm long) Lasioglossum kandiense is a small (5.5-5.8 mm long) black and brown bee. It's distribution is the mountainous areas of central and southern Sri Lanka. No information is presented on the social or nesting biology of this species. It is rare in the areas studied. This species does not show male cephalitic gigantism. It's distribution is the mountainous areas of central and southern Sri Lanka and Mussouri, Northern India. Sakagami et al. (1996) believe that this Indian specimen is mislabeled, rather than indicating a disjunct species distribution. Pollen-carrying females were collected from February to October, suggesting a long nesting season, but the social status of this species is still unknown. Sakagami et al. (1996) present two second hand accounts of nest collections of this species, however none of the 5 burrows excavated had provisioned brood cells, meaning that nest architecture is still unknown. This species does exhibit male cephalitic gigantism.
Lasioglossum alphenum, also known as the Lasioglossum (Sudila) alphenum by Sakagami et al. (1996), is a species of bee in the genus Lasioglossum, of the family Halictidae.[2]
Lasioglossum alphenum, also known as the Lasioglossum (Sudila) alphenum by Sakagami et al. (1996), is a species of bee in the genus Lasioglossum, of the family Halictidae.
