Mesoplia

Lepeletier, 1841

centris-cuckoos, cuckoo bees

Mesoplia is a of cleptoparasitic in the , tribe Ericrocidini. Commonly known as centris-cuckoos, these bees are that lay in the nests of - bees in the tribe Centridini. The genus contains approximately 15–17 described distributed across the Neotropical region, with the highest diversity in Mexico and Central America.

Mesoplia dugesi by (c) José Belem Hernández Díaz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by José Belem Hernández Díaz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Probably Mesoplia sp. (e.g Mesoplia dugesi is a species of centris-cuckoo in the family Apidae) - Flickr - gailhampshire by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Probably Mesoplia sp. (e.g Mesoplia dugesi is a species of centris-cuckoo in the family Apidae) - Flickr - gailhampshire (1) by gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mesoplia: /mɛˈsɔpliə/

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Identification

Mesoplia can be distinguished from other cleptoparasitic by their association with Centridini and morphological features characteristic of the tribe Ericrocidini. Specific identification to species level requires examination of detailed morphological characters; identification are available for regional faunas such as Mexico and Central America.

Images

Distribution

Neotropical region, with primary diversity in Mexico and Central America (Mesoamerica). Some extend into South America.

Host Associations

Centridini (oil-collecting bees) - Has been observed parasitizing Centris flavofasciata

Life Cycle

Cleptoparasitic: females lay in the nests of , where consume the host's provisions and offspring.

Behavior

Cleptoparasitic : females locate nests and , avoiding direct pollen and nectar collection for provisioning.

Ecological Role

of Centridini ; regulator of .

Similar Taxa

Other Ericrocidini generaShare cleptoparasitic lifestyle and morphological features; distinguished by associations and specific morphological characters
Other cleptoparasitic Apidae (e.g., Nomada, Thyreus)Similar ; distinguished by tribe-level and associations with Centridini rather than other groups

More Details

Taxonomic history

A 2025 revision of Mesoplia for Mexico and Central America recognized 10 in the region, including 4 new species, and established two synonymies: M. imperatrix = M. insignis and M. guatemalensis = M. rufipes.