Sphecodes johnsonii

Lovell, 1909

Johnson's sphecodes

Sphecodes johnsonii is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae. It belongs to the Sphecodes, commonly known as blood bees or cuckoo sweat bees, which are kleptoparasitic bees that exploit the nests of other bees. The species was described by Lovell in 1909 and is found in North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphecodes johnsonii: /ˈsfɛkoʊdiːz ˌdʒɒnsəˈniːaɪ/

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

Identification

Members of the Sphecodes are typically recognized by their slender, -like appearance and often reddish or dark coloration. As kleptoparasites, they lack the pollen-collecting structures (scopae) found on the hind legs of most female bees, instead having sparse, simple hairs. Specific diagnostic features for S. johnsonii are not documented in available sources.

Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from Vermont, United States.

Host Associations

  • Unknown - KleptoparasiteSphecodes are known to parasitize nests of other Halictidae, particularly Lasioglossum and Halictus species, but specific records for S. johnsonii are not documented.

Life Cycle

As with other Sphecodes , females likely enter nests to deposit in provisioned by the host. The Sphecodes larva consumes the host egg or larva and its pollen store. Development occurs within the host cell, with emerging the following season.

Behavior

Females have been observed waiting at nest entrances of bees to enter and deposit when the host departs. This is typical kleptoparasitic for the .

Ecological Role

As a kleptoparasite, this functions as a natural regulator of its species. It contributes to bee dynamics and represents a component of native bee diversity.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Sphecodes speciesMany Sphecodes are morphologically similar and require detailed examination, often of male genitalia or other subtle characters, for definitive identification.
  • Nomada speciesThese are also kleptoparasitic bees that may resemble Sphecodes in and general appearance, but Nomada typically have more conspicuous yellow or red and black patterning and belong to the Apidae.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'johnsonii' honors an individual with the surname Johnson, following the Latin genitive form used in patronymic names.

Tags

Sources and further reading