Epeolus compactus
Cresson, 1878
Compact Cellophane-Cuckoo
Epeolus compactus is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the Apidae. It is a specialized nest of Colletes kincaidii, a ground-nesting polyester bee. The occurs in North America and Mexico. Females enter nests during the provisioning phase to lay on pollen masses, and the resulting larvae 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 instar larva 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 instars. 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 instar larva exhibits active host-seeking to locate and destroy the host .
Ecological Role
of ground-nesting bees; are tied to availability.