Stelis coarctatus

Crawford, 1916

Compressed Dark Bee

Stelis coarctatus is a North of cleptoparasitic in the . As a member of the Stelis, it is a that lays in the nests of other bees, typically megachilid . The species was described by Crawford in 1916 and has been recorded from Vermont in the northeastern United States. Like other Stelis species, it lacks pollen- structures and depends entirely on host provisions for its offspring.

Stelis coarctatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stelis coarctatus: //ˈstɛlɪs koʊˈɑrkˌtætəs//

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

Identification

As a Stelis , S. coarctatus likely exhibits the compact, dark-colored body form typical of the , often with reduced hairiness compared to non-parasitic megachilids. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing it from are not documented in available sources. Identification to species level requires examination of morphological characters such as and other fine structural details.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from North America, specifically from Vermont in the northeastern United States. GBIF distribution records indicate presence in North America with confirmed occurrence in Vermont, US.

Host Associations

Megachilidae - Stelis are that lay in nests of other ; specific species for S. coarctatus are not documented

Behavior

As a cleptoparasitic , females enter nests to . consume the pollen provisions intended for the host's offspring. This parasitic lifestyle eliminates the need for nest construction or pollen collection by .

Ecological Role

Acts as a within , potentially regulating of . The ecological impact of this specific species has not been quantified.

Similar Taxa

Stelis ornatulaBoth are North Stelis ; S. ornatula (Spotted Dark ) has been recorded in the UK and is distinguished by specific markings and distribution
Other Stelis speciesApproximately 60 Stelis occur in North America; precise identification requires examination of morphological characters

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet is sometimes encountered as 'coarctata' (feminine) in older literature, but the correct form following Crawford's 1916 description is 'coarctatus' (masculine), matching the masculine of the Stelis.