Epeolus compactus
Cresson, 1878
Compact Cellophane-Cuckoo
Epeolus compactus is a cleptoparasitic in the . It is a specialized nest of Colletes kincaidii, a ground-nesting polyester . The occurs in North America and Mexico. Females enter nests during the provisioning phase to lay on pollen masses, and the resulting consume both the host egg and its pollen provision.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Epeolus compactus: /ɛˈpiːələs kəmˈpæktəs/
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Images
Habitat
Nests of Colletes kincaidii; the constructs underground burrows in suitable soils.
Distribution
United States and Mexico.
Diet
First consumes the ; subsequent instars feed on the pollen provision collected by the host .
Host Associations
- Colletes kincaidii - obligatory Female E. compactus enters nest during provisioning phase to oviposit on pollen mass
Life Cycle
Four larval . First instar is -like and actively searches for and destroys the . occurs within the host .
Behavior
Cleptoparasitic: females enter nests during the provisioning phase, before the host is closed. The first exhibits active host-seeking to locate and destroy the host .
Ecological Role
of ground-nesting ; are tied to availability.
Similar Taxa
- Other Epeolus speciesShare cleptoparasitic lifestyle and general body plan, but differ in associations and specific morphological details
- Nomada speciesAlso cleptoparasitic in , but belong to different tribe (Nomadini) and typically parasitize Andrena or other rather than Colletes
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Cresson in 1878. The name 'Epeolus' is thought to be a diminutive of Epeus/Epeius from Greek mythology, the credited with the Trojan Horse—possibly alluding to the deceptive, infiltrating nature of these cleptoparasitic .