Anthophora-parasite
Guides
Melecta
Mourning Bees, Cuckoo Bees
Melecta is a genus of kleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as mourning bees. The genus contains at least 50 described species. Females are cleptoparasites that enter host bee nests to lay eggs, with their larvae consuming the pollen and nectar provisions intended for the host's offspring.