Oreopasites barbarae
Rozen, 1992
Barbara's oreopasites
Oreopasites barbarae is a of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee described by Rozen in 1992. It belongs to the tribe Ammobatini within the Nomadinae, a group characterized by parasitic . The species is found in North America. Like other members of its , it likely parasitizes nests of ground-nesting bees, though specific records remain undocumented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oreopasites barbarae: /ˌɔːriːoʊˈpæsaɪtiːz ˈbɑːrbəˌriː/
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Identification
Identification to level requires examination of morphological characters described in the original description (Rozen, 1992). As a member of Ammobatini, it likely exhibits reduced scopal structures and other adaptations associated with cleptoparasitism. Distinction from congeneric species and other Ammobatini requires taxonomic knowledge and reference to type material.
Distribution
North America
Ecological Role
As a cleptoparasitic , this functions as a of other bees, potentially influencing local bee dynamics and of species. Specific ecological impacts remain unstudied.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Oreopasites was established to accommodate cleptoparasitic bees with distinctive morphological features separating them from related genera in Ammobatini. The specific epithet 'barbarae' honors an individual, presumably Barbara Rozen or another Barbara associated with the describer.