Ceratina

Ceratina are small to medium-sized, slender bees. They have nearly hairless bodies with a shiny, metallic cuticle that can be either green, blue, or black in color. Females of many species present light colored face markings, most commonly an ivory spot in the middle of the face. Males are similar in appearance to females but have more extensively yellow or whitish faces. They typically build their nest in dry, hollow twigs and pithy plant stems. Their burrows are linear, tunnel-shaped structures with partitions made from the chewed pulp of the stem of the chosen plant.In some species, the females can reproduce via parthenogenesis, spawning daughters without the need of being fecundated by a male. They hibernate as adults, usually inside their maternal nest alongside their siblings. In some cases, they have been seen displaying social and maternal behavior, taking care of newly emerged adults.