Coelioxys dolichos

Fox, 1890

carpenter-mimic cuckoo leaf-cutter bee

Coelioxys dolichos is a of kleptoparasitic in the Megachilidae. It is known to parasitize nests of the leaf-cutter bee Megachile xylocopoides. The species occurs in North America.

Coelioxys dolichos by (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark. Used under a CC-BY license.

Coelioxys dolichos, m, side, md, kent county 2014-07-21-12.19.17 ZS PMax (21903554339) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coelioxys dolichos: /ˌsiːlɪˈɒksɪs doʊˈlaɪkəs/

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

Identification

Coelioxys can be distinguished from other Megachilidae by their pointed with a sharp, sword-like or spear-like terminal spine (the pseudostigma). Females have a triangular or pointed sixth . This species is commonly known as the 'carpenter-mimic cuckoo leaf-cutter ,' suggesting resemblance to carpenter bees (Xylocopa) in appearance.

Images

Distribution

North America

Host Associations

Megachile xylocopoides - kleptoparasiteHas been reared from nests of this

Behavior

As a kleptoparasite, females enter nests and lay in provisioned by the host. The developing Coelioxys larva consumes the host's pollen/nectar provisions and typically kills the host egg or larva.

Ecological Role

Kleptoparasite of solitary bees; regulator of Megachile

Similar Taxa

CoelioxysOther in the share the kleptoparasitic lifestyle and pointed abdominal spine, but differ in specific associations and subtle morphological features
Megachile ; can be distinguished by the absence of the pointed abdominal spine and by their role as primary nest builders rather than