Coelioxys immaculatus

Cockerell, 1912

Coelioxys immaculatus is a of cuckoo bee in the Megachilidae, first described by Cockerell in 1912. Like all members of the Coelioxys, this species is a (cuckoo) of other bees, specifically targeting leafcutter bees (Megachile). The specific epithet 'immaculatus' suggests an unmarked or spotless appearance, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources. As a parasitic , females do not construct nests or collect pollen but instead lay in the nests of species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coelioxys immaculatus: //ˌsiːliˈɒksɪs ˌɪməkjəˈleɪtəs//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Coelioxys by reduced or absent maculation (implied by specific epithet). Identification to species level requires examination of genitalia and other microscopic features; field identification is challenging without knowledge. Distinguished from Megachile by pointed abdominal apex with spine (Megachile has rounded ).

Habitat

details are not specifically documented for this . As a of Megachile bees, occurrence is tied to habitats supporting of leafcutter bees, which typically nest in pre-existing cavities in wood, hollow stems, or other substrates.

Distribution

Recorded from North America based on GBIF distribution data. Specific range details within North America are not documented in available sources. Three observations recorded in iNaturalist.

Seasonality

Activity period not specifically documented. As a of Megachile, likely active during the period of , which in many regions spans late spring through summer.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

As a cleptoparasitic , females do not construct nests or provision . are laid in completed or nearly completed cells; larvae consume the host egg or larva and its pollen store. Developmental details specific to C. immaculatus are not documented.

Behavior

Females are known to hover near nest entrances and enter to deposit when the host female is absent. Males are typically smaller and emerge before females. Specific behavioral observations for C. immaculatus are not documented.

Ecological Role

Acts as a ( ) of leafcutter bees, regulating . Contributes to diversity and serves as prey/food source for other organisms.

Human Relevance

No documented direct human relevance. As with many native bees, contributes to function through its role in dynamics. Not known to be a pest or beneficial in agricultural contexts.

Similar Taxa

  • Coelioxys rufitarsisSimilar size and general appearance; distinguished by differences in abdominal maculation and tarsal coloration
  • Coelioxys sayiOverlapping distribution and use; distinguished by abdominal pattern and spine
  • Coelioxys sodalisSimilar cleptoparasitic lifestyle and associations; distinguished by subtle differences in punctation and coloration

More Details

Taxonomic status

Accepted per Catalogue of Life and GBIF, described by Cockerell in 1912. The specific epithet 'immaculatus' (Latin: spotless, unmarked) distinguishes it from more heavily marked .

Data limitations

This is poorly represented in public databases (only 3 iNaturalist observations) and literature. Most biological details inferred from -level characteristics of Coelioxys.

Tags

Sources and further reading