Ericrocis lata
(Cresson, 1879)
Common Oil-digger-Cuckoo
Ericrocis lata is a cleptoparasitic in the Apidae, commonly known as the Common Oil-digger-Cuckoo. As a member of the tribe Ericrocidini, it is a specialized that targets oil-collecting bees. The species occurs in both Central and North America. It was first described by Cresson in 1879.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ericrocis lata: /ˈɛrɪˌkroʊsɪs ˈleɪtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Central America and North America.
Host Associations
- Oil-collecting bees - As a member of Ericrocidini, Ericrocis lata is a of oil-collecting bees (Centridini), though specific records for this are not documented in the provided sources.
Behavior
Cleptoparasitic: females lay in the nests of bees, where larvae consume the host's provisions and offspring.
Ecological Role
in ; impacts of oil-collecting bees through nest usurpation.
Similar Taxa
- Other Ericrocis speciesMembers of the same share cleptoparasitic habits and similar ; specific identification requires detailed examination.
- Other EricrocidiniAll members of this tribe are of oil-collecting bees and share ecological similarities.
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Crocisa lata by Cresson in 1878, later transferred to the Ericrocis.
Observation Data
The has 81 observations recorded on iNaturalist, indicating it is documented but not frequently encountered.