Ammobatini

cuckoo bees

Genus Guides

Oreopasites

Ammobatini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the Nomadinae of Apidae. The tribe comprises approximately 8 and more than 130 described . Members are obligate that exploit the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting halictids. The genus Chiasmognathus has been documented attacking Nomioides patruelis (Halictidae).

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ammobatini: /ˌæmoʊˈbætɪnaɪ/

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Habitat

Associated with nests of bees, particularly ground-nesting Halictidae. Specific characteristics are determined by host nesting .

Diet

Cleptoparasitic. Larvae consume provisions (pollen and nectar stores) accumulated by bees in their nests.

Host Associations

Nomioides patruelis - Documented for Chiasmognathus pashupati (Halictidae: Halictinae: Nomioidini)

Life Cycle

Females deposit in nests. Larvae develop through multiple instars while consuming host provisions. Detailed developmental stages have been described for Chiasmognathus pashupati, including egg and larval .

Behavior

Obligate cleptoparasitism. Females locate and infiltrate nests to deposit . No nest construction or pollen/nectar collection by .

Ecological Role

of ground-nesting bees. Functions as a natural control mechanism for .

Similar Taxa

Nomadinae (other tribes)Other tribes within Nomadinae also contain cleptoparasitic bees; distinction requires examination of morphological characters and associations
Other cleptoparasitic Apidae (e.g., Epeolini, Isepeolini)Share cleptoparasitic lifestyle but differ in range and morphological features

More Details

Genera composition

Eight recognized: Ammobates, Chiasmognathus, Melanempis, Oreopasites, Parammobatodes, Pasites, Sphecodopsis, and Spinopasites.

Larval morphology

Study of Chiasmognathus pashupati provides detailed morphological descriptions of stages, contributing to phylogenetic understanding of cleptoparasitic bees.