Stelis lateralis
Cresson, 1864
Spot-sided Dark Bee
Stelis lateralis is a of cuckoo bee in the Megachilidae. As a member of the Stelis, it is a that lays in the nests of other bees, particularly megachilids. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Two are recognized: Stelis lateralis lateralis and Stelis lateralis permaculata.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stelis lateralis: /ˈste.lɪs ləˈtɛɹ.ə.lɪs/
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Identification
Members of the Stelis can be distinguished from their bees by their more slender body form and reduced scopa (pollen-carrying structures), as cleptoparasitic females do not collect pollen. Specific identification of Stelis lateralis requires examination of morphological characters such as punctation patterns and coloration on the lateral surfaces of the and . The Stelis lateralis permaculata was described by Cockerell and differs in maculation patterns from the nominate subspecies.
Images
Distribution
Central America and North America. Distribution records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Diet
As a cleptoparasitic , do not collect pollen or nectar for their own consumption. Females lay in nests, and larvae consume the pollen provisions gathered by the host bee.
Host Associations
- Megachilidae - Stelis are of other megachilid bees
Behavior
Exhibits cleptoparasitic typical of the Stelis: females enter nests and deposit in provisioned by the host. The Stelis larva typically kills the host egg or larva and consumes the stored pollen.
Ecological Role
Acts as a within , potentially regulating of megachilid . This parasitic relationship is a natural component of bee community dynamics.
Similar Taxa
- Other Stelis speciesSimilar cleptoparasitic lifestyle and general body form; requires detailed morphological examination for separation
- Host megachilid bees (e.g., Osmia, Megachile)May be confused with in the field, but Stelis has reduced scopa and more slender build
More Details
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- A New Cockroach in Town? | Bug Squad
- Recent literature – The Coleopterists Bulletin | Beetles In The Bush
- Bare ground experiments to help save rare bees and wasps - Buglife Blog - Buglife
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