Triepeolus rufithorax

Graenicher, 1928

Florida Longhorn-Cuckoo

Triepeolus rufithorax is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the Apidae, Nomadinae. As a member of the Triepeolus, it parasitizes nests of long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera). The is known from North America, with records particularly from Florida and surrounding regions. Like other Triepeolus species, females enter nests to lay in provisioned by the host female.

Triepeolus rufithorax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Triepeolus rufithorax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Triepeolus rufithorax by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triepeolus rufithorax: /triːˈiːpɪələs ˌruːfɪˈθoʊræks/

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Identification

Triepeolus rufithorax can be distinguished from other Triepeolus by the (reddish) coloration of the , as indicated by its specific epithet. Members of Triepeolus typically exhibit banded with pale markings on a dark background and relatively sparse body hair compared to their . Males have long characteristic of the tribe Epeolini. Definitive identification requires examination of specific morphological characters including details of clypeal punctation, mesosomal , and male genitalia.

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Distribution

North America. Records indicate presence in the southeastern United States, particularly Florida.

Host Associations

  • Melissodes - primary ; females lay in host

Behavior

Females are that enter nests of long-horned bees to deposit . The Triepeolus larva consumes the host larva and its pollen provisions. Males are frequently observed visiting flowers for nectar. Cuckoo bees do not construct nests or gather pollen.

Ecological Role

As a , T. rufithorax contributes to of its bees. The participates in pollination networks indirectly through male flower visitation and potentially through female incidental pollen transfer.

Similar Taxa

  • Triepeolus concavussimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by thoracic coloration and specific punctation patterns
  • Epeolus speciesconvergent cleptoparasitic lifestyle and abdominal banding; Triepeolus distinguished by longer male and different clypeal structure
  • Melissodes hostsfemales may be mistaken for when not actively parasitizing; Triepeolus lacks scopal hairs for pollen collection

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