Brachymelecta
Linsley, 1939
Species Guides
3- Brachymelecta californica(California Digger-cuckoo Bee)
- Brachymelecta interrupta(Interrupted Digger-cuckoo Bee)
- Brachymelecta larreae(Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee)
Brachymelecta is a of cuckoo bees in the Apidae, established by Linsley in 1939. The genus was formerly known as Xeromelecta until 2021. These bees are , meaning they lay in the nests of other bees and rely on provisions to rear their young. The genus includes six recognized distributed primarily in North America and the Caribbean.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Brachymelecta: //ˌbrækɪˌmɛlˈɛktə//
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Distribution
North America and Caribbean region. records include the western United States (California), southwestern U.S. deserts, Florida, Haiti, and Cuba.
Host Associations
- Anthophora - Brachymelecta californica has been documented as a of Anthophora edwardsii and Anthophora pacifica
- Centris - Brachymelecta tibialis has been observed as a of Centris in Florida
Behavior
Cleptoparasitic : females enter nests to lay in provisioned by other bees. The developing Brachymelecta larvae consume the host's pollen and nectar stores and typically kill the host egg or larva.
Ecological Role
Acts as a within , potentially influencing and nest site availability.
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic History
The was originally described as Brachymelecta by Linsley in 1939, but was later synonymized under Xeromelecta. A 2021 taxonomic revision reinstated Brachymelecta as the valid name based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence.