Triepeolus eliseae

Rightmyer, 2017

Elise's Longhorn-Cuckoo

Triepeolus eliseae is a of in the , described by Rightmyer in 2017. As a member of the Triepeolus, it is a that lays in the nests of other rather than constructing its own nests or gathering pollen. The species is known from California and is associated with bee 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//

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Habitat

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 in the Melissodes and related Eucerini

Behavior

Cleptoparasitic; females enter nests to lay in provisioned by host . do not gather pollen or construct nests.

Ecological Role

of ground-nesting . Contributes to of bee in native prairie and grassland .

Similar Taxa

  • Triepeolus concavusSimilar ; both are of long-horned . Distinguished by specific structural features of male and facial markings.
  • EpeolusRelated of in the same tribe Epeolini; historically confused with Triepeolus. Separated by differences in , facial structure, and male .

More Details

Etymology

Named in honor of Elise, likely referencing a person significant to the describer or the ' discovery context.

Type Specimen

Primary deposited at UC Riverside Research Museum (UCRC ENT).

Tags

Sources and further reading