Triepeolus eliseae
Rightmyer, 2017
Elise's Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus eliseae is a of cuckoo bee in the Apidae, described by Rightmyer in 2017. As a member of the Triepeolus, it is a that lays in the nests of other bees rather than constructing its own nests or gathering pollen. The species is known from California and is associated with native in grassland and prairie . Like other Triepeolus species, it is a of long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Triepeolus eliseae: //traɪˈiːpiələs əˈlɪseɪ.iː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Native prairies and grasslands in California. Associated with flowering plants in agricultural landscapes and hedgerows, including gumplants (Grindelia ).
Distribution
California, United States. Known from Yolo County and surrounding Central Valley regions.
Host Associations
- Melissodes - Triepeolus are of long-horned bees in the Melissodes and related Eucerini
Behavior
Cleptoparasitic; females enter nests to lay in provisioned by host bees. do not gather pollen or construct nests.
Ecological Role
of native ground-nesting bees. Contributes to of in native prairie and grassland .
Similar Taxa
- Triepeolus concavusSimilar cuckoo bee ; both are of long-horned bees. Distinguished by specific structural features of male genitalia and facial markings.
- EpeolusRelated of cuckoo bees in the same tribe Epeolini; historically confused with Triepeolus. Separated by differences in wing venation, facial fovea structure, and male genitalia.
More Details
Etymology
Named in honor of Elise, likely referencing a person significant to the describer or the ' discovery context.
Type Specimen
Primary type deposited at UC Riverside Entomology Research Museum (UCRC ENT).
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- The Native Bees in the UC Davis Bee Haven | Bug Squad
- What Native California Plants Are Best for Attracting Pollinators? | Bug Squad
- Primary Type List | Entomology Research Museum
- Researching the Hedgerows | Bug Squad
- California Poppy: No Nectar, Just Pollen | Bug Squad
- Know Your Native Bees: Here's How! | Bug Squad