Triepeolus brittaini

Cockerell, 1931

Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee

Triepeolus brittaini is a of cleptoparasitic in the , first described by Cockerell in 1931. As a member of the Triepeolus, it is known to lay its in the nests of other bee species rather than constructing its own nests or provisioning . The species is found in North America and is commonly known as Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee.

Triepeolus brittaini 01 by Cory Sheffield, Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Triepeolus brittaini 02 by Cory Sheffield, Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Triepeolus brittaini 03 by Cory Sheffield, Royal Saskatchewan Museum. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triepeolus brittaini: //traɪˈɛpiələs ˈbrɪteɪnaɪ//

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Images

Distribution

North America. Specific records indicate presence in the United States and Canada, with observations documented through iNaturalist and museum collections.

Host Associations

Triepeolus sp. - Triepeolus are that lay in nests of other , particularly in the . Specific relationships for T. brittaini are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

As a cleptoparasitic , females are known to lay in the nests of bees. The does not gather pollen or construct . Males have been observed visiting flowers, likely for nectar.

Ecological Role

Acts as a in . By parasitizing nests of other bee , it influences of bees and contributes to natural regulation of bee community structure.

Similar Taxa

Triepeolus concavusAnother North Triepeolus ; both share cleptoparasitic and similar morphological features typical of the . T. brittaini can be distinguished by specific diagnostic characters described by Cockerell (1931).
Epeolus spp.Related cleptoparasitic in the same tribe Epeolini; historically some Triepeolus were classified in Epeolus. Distinguished by subtle morphological differences in and body sculpturing.
Sphecodes spp. in with similar cleptoparasitic . Sphecodes are typically smaller, more slender, and parasitize sweat (Halictidae) rather than the larger targeted by Triepeolus.

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'brittaini' likely honors an individual, possibly a or colleague of Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell, though the exact namesake is not documented in available sources.

Taxonomic History

Described by T.D.A. Cockerell in 1931, a prolific early 20th century hymenopterist who described numerous from North America.