Coelioxys sayi

Robertson, 1897

Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee

Coelioxys sayi is a of kleptoparasitic in the , commonly known as Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee. As a member of the sharp-tailed bee Coelioxys, this species does not construct its own nests but instead parasitizes the nests of other solitary bees, particularly leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). Females possess a pointed adapted for inserting into nest . The species occurs in North America and is active during the summer months when host species are nesting.

Coelioxys sayi by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.

Coelioxys sayi face by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.

Coelioxys sayi, F, Back Redo, MD, Baltimore 2013-06-25-17.39 (26529575767) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Coelioxys sayi: /sɛɪliˈaɪəksɪs ˈseɪi/

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 combination of size, facial markings, and abdominal patterning; precise identification often requires examination of in males and abdominal tip structure in females. Separated from leafcutter (Megachile) by the pointed female , lack of scopal hairs for pollen transport, and more slender, -like build. Distinguished from other cleptoparasitic bee such as Nomada by the pointed rather than rounded abdominal and different thoracic proportions. Distinguished from Sphecodes (blood bees) by coloration—Coelioxys lacks the bright red or orange typical of many Sphecodes species.

Images

Habitat

Open including meadows, grasslands, gardens, and woodland edges where leafcutter nest. Nesting of host bees are the critical habitat feature. Often found in areas with exposed soil banks, hollow stems, or pre-existing cavities used by Megachile .

Distribution

North America. Documented from the United States including Vermont and other eastern states. GBIF records indicate presence across North America with specific observations from Vermont, US.

Seasonality

active primarily in summer months (June–August), coinciding with the nesting period of Megachile . tracks host availability; timed to access active host nests.

Host Associations

Megachile - Parasitizes nests of leafcutter . Female enters nest and inserts through partition; consumes host egg/larva and stored provisions.

Life Cycle

with . Female locates active nest, waits for host female to depart, then enters and pierces partition with pointed to . Coelioxys hatches first, kills host egg or young larva, and consumes pollen-nectar provision. Develops through larval , pupates within host cell, and emerges as the following season or later in same season depending on host .

Behavior

Kleptoparasitic: does not construct nests or collect pollen or nectar. Females spend considerable time observing potential nests, sometimes hovering near nest entrances. Host likely involves chemical cues. Males areas with host seeking females. Limited defensive due to lack of nest or food stores to protect.

Coelioxys sodalisSimilar size and coloration; distinguished by subtle differences in abdominal punctation and male structure. Often and shares .
Coelioxys octodentataOverlapping range; distinguished by more extensive pale markings and different abdominal tip in females.
NomadaSimilar kleptoparasitic lifestyle and -like appearance; distinguished by rounded abdominal , different , and often more vivid -red-black patterning.
SphecodesSimilar slender parasitic form; distinguished by frequently red or orange abdominal coloration and different proportions.

More Details

Etymology

Specific epithet 'sayi' honors Thomas Say (1787–1834), pioneering often called the father of American .