Triepeolus remigatus

(Fabricius, 1804)

Squash Longhorn-Cuckoo, cuckoo bee

Triepeolus remigatus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo bee) in the Apidae. It parasitizes the nests of squash bees, particularly Xenoglossa pruinosa. Unlike most bees, it does not collect pollen or construct its own nests. The is found in the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Triepeolus remigatus, m, back, Centre Co., Pa 2017-03-09-15.28 (34674364775) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Triepeolus remigatus, m, face, Centre Co., Pa 2017-03-09-15.36 (34633604616) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Triepeolus remigatus, m, right side, Centre Co., Pa 2017-03-09-16.05 (33831841014) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triepeolus remigatus: /traɪˌɛpiˈoʊləs ˌrɛmɪˈɡeɪtəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Triepeolus remigatus can be distinguished from its Xenoglossa pruinosa and other similar bees by its cleptoparasitic lifestyle and associated morphological traits. As a member of the Epeolini, it lacks the pollen-collecting structures present in its host. Males have been observed foraging on flowers without gathering pollen.

Images

Habitat

Ground-nesting environments; nests in . Associated with agricultural and natural landscapes where its , the squash bee Xenoglossa pruinosa, occurs.

Distribution

United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Diet

Cleptoparasitic; provisions obtained from nests. Does not collect pollen or nectar for its own offspring; larvae consume the pollen stores provided by the host .

Host Associations

Xenoglossa pruinosa - primary squash bee; ground-nesting whose nests are parasitized

Life Cycle

Open- ; lays in nests. Larvae develop by consuming the host's pollen provisions.

Behavior

Interactions with are characterized by and avoidance rather than aggression. Prefers entering host nests while the host is foraging, suggesting a detection avoidance strategy. Makes rapid visits to host nests without extensive inspection. These appear adapted to optimize parasitic success while minimizing host detection.

Ecological Role

of ground-nesting bees. Functions as an open- in , potentially influencing .

Similar Taxa

Xenoglossa pruinosa ; T. remigatus parasitizes its nests. X. pruinosa is a pollen-collecting squash bee with nest-constructing , while T. remigatus is a lacking these traits.
Triepeolus concavusCongeneric cuckoo bee; both are in the Triepeolus with similar .