Stelis lateralis

Cresson, 1864

Spot-sided Dark Bee

Stelis lateralis is a of in the . As a member of the Stelis, it is a that lays in the nests of other , particularly megachilids. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Two are recognized: Stelis lateralis lateralis and Stelis lateralis permaculata.

Stelis lateralis by (c) Amy Schnebelin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Amy Schnebelin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stelis lateralis by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Stelis lateralis permaculata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

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 by their more slender body form and reduced (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 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 consume the pollen provisions gathered by the host bee.

Host Associations

Megachilidae - Stelis are of other

Behavior

Exhibits cleptoparasitic typical of the Stelis: females enter nests and in provisioned by the host. The Stelis typically kills the host egg or larva and consumes the stored pollen.

Ecological Role

Acts as a within , potentially regulating of . 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 and more slender build

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Stelis lateralis lateralis (nominate) and Stelis lateralis permaculata Cockerell.

Taxonomic history

Described by Cresson in 1864. The has been subject to taxonomic revisions typical of the large and complex Stelis.