Neolarra californica

Michener, 1939

cuckoo bee

Neolarra californica is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the Apidae. It is known to parasitize nests of Perdita difficilis, a mining bee . The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the tribe Neolarrini, it represents one of the specialized parasitic lineages within the diverse Apidae family.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neolarra californica: /ˌniːoʊˈlærə ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkə/

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

Distribution

United States and Mexico. Specific records indicate presence in southwestern U.S. states and adjacent Mexican territories.

Host Associations

  • Perdita difficilis - nest The has been documented in nests of this mining bee, indicating a cleptoparasitic relationship where N. californica likely lays in .

Ecological Role

As a cleptoparasitic , N. californica functions as a natural regulator of its Perdita difficilis. It does not construct its own nests or provision with pollen, instead exploiting the nesting investment of its host.

Tags

Sources and further reading