Holcopasites

Ashmead, 1899

cuckoo bees

Holcopasites is a of small, uncommon in the , . The genus contains at least 20 described distributed in North America. All species are obligate that infiltrate the nests of solitary to exploit food provisions intended for host offspring. Males are distinguished from nearly all other Apidae by having 12 antennal rather than the typical 13.

Holcopasites calliopsidis by (c) James Kindt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by James Kindt. Used under a CC-BY license.Holcopasites calliopsidis by (c) Peter Chen 2.0, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Chen 2.0. Used under a CC-BY license.Holcopasites ruthae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Holcopasites: //ˌhɒlkoʊˈpæsaɪtiːz//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other by the unique 12-segmented in males. The combination of very small size, red abdominal coloration with hair (in Eastern ), and aids recognition. differs from : Holcopasites calliopsidis produces cephalic secretions containing 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and geranyl acetone, unlike host compounds.

Images

Habitat

Associated with open supporting . Holcopasites calliopsidis collected at Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortland, New York. Holcopasites jerryrozeni recorded from Texas Panhandle. Specific microhabitat requirements tied to nesting sites of solitary host bees.

Distribution

North America; Nearctic region. Records include northeastern United States (Vermont, New York), Texas, and broader North range.

Seasonality

Holcopasites calliopsidis collected in June. Activity synchronized with nesting periods.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Obligate : infiltrate nests of solitary and in host . Offspring develop by consuming food provisions intended for host offspring. Free-living adult stage active during host nesting period. No nest construction or food provisioning by adults.

Behavior

that off-loads all parental care to organisms. infiltrate host nests rather than constructing their own. Chemical profile differs from hosts, suggesting lack of chemical for host odor.

Ecological Role

that exploits food resources intended for offspring. linked to host abundance and nesting success.

Similar Taxa

  • Nomadaalso in , but males have 13 antennal ; Holcopasites males uniquely have 12
  • other Nomadinae generaHolcopasites distinguished by male antennal segmentation and small size with distinctive coloration

Tags

Sources and further reading