Brachymelecta larreae

(Cockerell, 1900)

Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee

Brachymelecta larreae is a of cuckoo bee in the Apidae, known from Central America and North America. It is commonly called the Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee. The species has been placed in multiple historically, with some authorities recognizing it as Xeromelecta larreae. As a cuckoo bee, it is presumed to exhibit kleptoparasitic , laying in the nests of bees.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brachymelecta larreae: //ˌbrækɪmɪˈlɛktə ˈlɑːre.i//

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Distribution

Central America and North America. Specific country records are not detailed in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Larrea tridentata - presumed plant 'Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee' suggests association with creosote bush, though direct records are not documented in provided sources.

More Details

Taxonomic status

Brachymelecta larreae is treated as a synonym of Xeromelecta larreae by GBIF, though iNaturalist and NCBI maintain it in Brachymelecta. The basionym is Bombomelecta larreæ.

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Sources and further reading