Triepeolus sarothrinus

(Cockerell, 1929)

Triepeolus sarothrinus is a cleptoparasitic in the Apidae, originally described as Epeolus sarothrinus by Cockerell in 1929. The was synonymized under Triepeolus segregatus (Cockerell, 1900) in a 2024 revision of the simplex species group. As a member of the cleptoparasitic Triepeolus, females lay in the nests of bees rather than constructing their own nests or gathering pollen. The species belongs to the simplex group, characterized by females having a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave margin.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triepeolus sarothrinus: /ˌtraɪiːˈpiːələs səˈrɒθrɪnəs/

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Identification

Females can be distinguished by the trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave margin, diagnostic features of the simplex group. For definitive identification, refer to the morphological and keys in the 2024 revision of the simplex group, which used integrative including morphological, biogeographic, and barcode data to establish species limits.

Distribution

Recorded from Middle America and North America. Specific locality details for this are not available in the provided sources; the full revision paper contains summarized range information.

Behavior

As a cleptoparasitic , females do not gather pollen or construct nests. Instead, they lay in the nests of bees, where their larvae consume the host's provisions.

Ecological Role

Functions as a (cuckoo bee) in native , potentially influencing of bee .

Similar Taxa

  • Triepeolus segregatus (Cockerell, 1900)T. sarothrinus was synonymized under this ; they share the same species concept following the 2024 revision.
  • Other Triepeolus simplex group speciesShare the diagnostic pseudopygidial area structure with reflective setae and concave margin; require detailed morphological examination and keys for separation.

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