Apidae
Guides
Ericrocis lata
Common Oil-digger-Cuckoo
Ericrocis lata is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Common Oil-digger-Cuckoo. As a member of the tribe Ericrocidini, it is a specialized brood parasite that targets oil-collecting bees. The species occurs in both Central and North America. It was first described by Cresson in 1879.
Ericrocis pintada
Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo
Ericrocis pintada is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, tribe Ericrocidini. It is commonly known as the Painted Oil-digger-Cuckoo. The species is native to Central America and North America. Like other members of its tribe, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of oil-collecting bees in the genus Centris, though specific host records for this species are limited.
Eucera actuosa
Eucera actuosa is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Cresson in 1879 and is found in North America. As a member of the genus Eucera, it belongs to a group of solitary bees commonly known as squash bees due to their specialized pollination of cucurbit crops. The species is part of the tribe Eucerini, which is characterized by males with notably long antennae.
Eucera cordleyi
Cordley's Long-horned Bee
Eucera cordleyi is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described by Viereck in 1905. Like other members of the genus Eucera, males are characterized by exceptionally long antennae. The species occurs in North America and is part of the Eucerini tribe, which includes important pollinators of agricultural crops such as cucurbits. Specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Eucera frater
Monk Longhorn
Eucera frater is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. It belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees characterized by elongated antennae in males. The species was originally described as Melissodes frater by Cresson in 1878 and later transferred to the genus Eucera. Three subspecies are recognized: E. f. albopilosa, E. f. frater, and E. f. lata.
Eucera frater albopilosa
White-haired Monk Longhorn
Eucera frater albopilosa is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It belongs to the genus Eucera, a group of solitary bees commonly known as squash bees or long-horned bees due to the exceptionally long antennae of males. The subspecies is recognized as valid and has been documented in North America. Like other Eucera species, it is likely associated with pollination of flowering plants, though specific ecological details for this subspecies remain limited in published sources.
Eucera frater lata
A subspecies of long-horned bee in the genus Eucera, native to North America. Males possess notably elongated antennae, a defining trait of the genus. Like other Eucera species, this subspecies is a solitary ground-nesting bee and likely contributes to pollination of flowering plants in its range. Specific biological details for this subspecies remain poorly documented in published literature.
Eucera fulvitarsis fulvitarsis
Eucera fulvitarsis fulvitarsis is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. It belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees characterized by males with notably long antennae. The subspecies was described by Cresson in 1879 and is native to North America. Like other Eucera species, it is a specialist pollinator associated with cucurbit crops and other flowering plants.
Eucera hamata
Hook-spurred Longhorn
Eucera hamata is a long-horned bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. Males possess exceptionally long antennae, a characteristic trait of the genus Eucera. The species belongs to a group of solitary bees that nest underground and forage primarily on legume flowers.
Eucera lutziana
Eucera lutziana is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1933. As a member of the genus Eucera, it belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary bees commonly known as long-horned bees due to the exceptionally long antennae of males. The species is recorded from North America, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published sources.
Euglossini
orchid bees, euglossine bees
Euglossini, commonly known as orchid bees, is a tribe of approximately 200 species in five genera (Euglossa, Eulaema, Eufriesea, Exaerete, and Aglae) distributed throughout the Neotropics. The tribe is unique among corbiculate bees in that non-parasitic members exhibit diverse social behaviors ranging from solitary to primitively eusocial, rather than uniform eusociality. Males are distinguished by their exclusive behavior of collecting volatile fragrances from orchids and other sources, storing them in specialized hind tibial pockets for use in courtship displays. This fragrance collection drives mutualistic relationships with orchids, where male bees serve as exclusive pollinators for many species.
Exomalopsis
Exomalopsis is a genus of solitary bees in the family Apidae, tribe Exomalopsini, comprising nearly 90 described species with many more undescribed. These bees are restricted to the Western Hemisphere, occurring in both Neotropical and Nearctic realms. Species nest communally in soil, excavating deep tunnels with branching underground pathways leading to individual brood cells. The genus is notable for its complex associations with kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees and parasitoid wasps.
Exomalopsis analis
Exomalopsis analis is a small bee in the family Apidae, tribe Exomalopsini. It occurs from the southern United States through Central America to Argentina. Like other Exomalopsis species, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The species has been documented visiting flowers of various plants, including agricultural crops.
Exomalopsis solani
Solanum Exomalopsis
Exomalopsis solani is a bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. It belongs to the tribe Exomalopsini, a group of small to medium-sized bees often associated with solitary or communal nesting habits. The species is documented from Central America and North America. Limited observational data exists, with 11 records on iNaturalist. The specific epithet 'solani' suggests a potential association with Solanum plants, though this relationship has not been formally documented in the provided sources.
Exomalopsis tibialis
Exomalopsis tibialis is a species of bee in the family Apidae, described by Timberlake in 1980. It belongs to the tribe Exomalopsini, a group of small to medium-sized bees commonly known as oil-collecting bees due to their specialized floral associations. The species is known from Middle America and North America.
Habropoda cineraria
Habropoda cineraria is a solitary digger bee in the family Apidae, native to western North America. Like other members of the genus Habropoda, it nests in sandy soils and exhibits specialized ecological relationships with nest parasites. The species has been documented in coastal and interior western habitats, though detailed biological studies specific to this species remain limited compared to better-known congeners such as H. miserabilis and H. pallida.
Holcopasites minimus
Tiny Furrowed-Cuckoo
Holcopasites minimus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Linsley in 1943. It belongs to the subfamily Nomadinae, a group of kleptoparasitic bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other bee species. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from Mexico to Canada. Like other members of the genus Holcopasites, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of ground-nesting bees, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Holcopasites stevensi
Stevens's Cuckoo Nomad Bee
Holcopasites stevensi is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is found from Mexico to Canada.
Martinapis occidentalis
western morning long-horned bee, Western Morning-Longhorn
Martinapis occidentalis is a long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described in 1976. It is one of the few species in the small genus Martinapis, which belongs to the tribe Eucerini. The species is known from limited observations and appears to have a restricted distribution in western North America and adjacent regions of Central America. Like other long-horned bees, males are characterized by exceptionally long antennae.
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.
Melecta edwardsii
Edward's melectum
Melecta edwardsii is a species of digger-cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1879. As a cleptoparasite, females enter the nests of host digger bees to lay eggs, with their larvae consuming the pollen and nectar provisions intended for the host's offspring. The species occurs in Central America and North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain limited in the available literature.
Melecta pacifica
Melecta pacifica is a large, solitary bee species in the family Apidae. It is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nests of digger bees, specifically Anthophora pacifica. The species occurs in North America and includes three recognized subspecies. Females enter host burrows to lay eggs, and their larvae consume the pollen and nectar provisions intended for the host's offspring.
Melecta separata
Melecta separata is a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae, native to North America. The species contains six recognized subspecies distributed across western and southwestern regions of the continent. Like other members of the genus Melecta, it is a nest parasite of solitary bees, particularly species in the genus Anthophora. The subspecies M. separata callura has been specifically documented as a cleptoparasite of Anthophora pacifica.
Melecta separata callura
Melecta separata callura is a subspecies of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. As a member of the genus Melecta, it is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nests of other bee species. The subspecies was described by Cockerell in 1926.
Melectini
cuckoo bees
Melectini is a tribe of medium- to large-sized cleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae. Members are brood parasites of digger bees (Anthophorini) and are found worldwide. Females lack pollen-collecting structures such as scopae, basitibial plates, and prepygidial fimbria. The tribe includes approximately eight genera, with Melecta and Thyreus being the most diverse.
Melissodes communis communis
Common Long-Horned Bee
Melissodes communis communis is a subspecies of long-horned bee in the family Apidae. Males of this group are characterized by elongated antennae, a trait reflected in the common name. The subspecies occurs in North and Middle America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it is a solitary bee that visits flowers for pollen and nectar collection. The specific subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the broader M. communis species complex.
Melissodes dentiventris
long-horned bee
Melissodes dentiventris is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, males possess elongated antennae that give the group its common name. The species is a solitary ground-nesting bee and contributes to pollination of native flora. Specific ecological details for M. dentiventris remain limited in published literature, with most behavioral observations documented for congeners such as M. agilis.
Melissodes pallidisignatus
Melissodes pallidisignatus is a long-horned bee species in the family Apidae, native to North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it is a solitary ground-nesting bee. The species is part of a diverse genus of approximately 130 species of medium to large bees commonly known as long-horned bees due to the elongated antennae of males. It contributes to pollination in its native range, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited compared to better-known congeners such as Melissodes agilis.
Melissodes paroselae
Parosela Long-horned Bee
Melissodes paroselae is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1905. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it is characterized by elongated antennae, particularly in males. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the tribe Eucerini, it is a solitary, ground-nesting bee that contributes to pollination of native flora.
Melissodes stearnsi
long-horned bee
Melissodes stearnsi is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1905. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, it belongs to the tribe Eucerini, a group of solitary, ground-nesting bees. The species is found in North America. Available information about this species specifically is limited, with most detailed behavioral and ecological knowledge coming from better-studied congeners such as Melissodes agilis.
Melissodes tepidus
Long-horned bee
Melissodes tepidus is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, native to North and Central America. Like other members of the genus Melissodes, males exhibit distinctive sleeping aggregations on vegetation at night while females nest solitarily in the ground. The species contributes to pollination of various flowering plants. It is one of more than 1600 native bee species recorded in California alone.
Melissoptila otomita
Otomi Longhorn
Melissoptila otomita is a species of longhorn bee in the family Apidae, tribe Eucerini. Commonly known as the Otomi Longhorn, this bee belongs to a genus characterized by males with exceptionally long antennae. The species occurs across much of the Americas, from North America through Middle America to South America. As a member of the Eucerini, it is a solitary bee that likely nests in the ground and visits flowers for pollen and nectar.
Melitoma
chimney bees
Melitoma is a genus of solitary bees commonly known as chimney bees, comprising approximately 11-13 described species. Members of this genus are classified within the family Apidae, tribe Emphorini, and are characterized by their distinctive nesting behavior involving the construction of chimney-like turrets at nest entrances. The genus occurs in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with species documented from North America through Central and South America.
Melitoma grisella
Great Plains Turret Bee
Melitoma grisella is a species of solitary bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Great Plains Turret Bee. It belongs to the tribe Emphorini, a group of bees known for constructing distinctive turret-like nest entrances. The species was described by Cockerell and Porter in 1899 and is native to North America.
Melitoma marginella
Margined Turret Bee
Melitoma marginella is a species of chimney bee (also called turret bee) in the family Apidae. It is native to Central America and North America. The common name "Margined Turret Bee" refers to the distinctive nest architecture this species constructs.
Mesoplia dugesi
Mesoplia dugesi is a species of bee in the family Apidae, tribe Ericrocidini. It was described by Cockerell in 1917. The species has a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with confirmed records from Arizona and adjacent Mexican states. As a member of the cleptoparasitic tribe Ericrocidini, it is presumed to exhibit nest parasitism behavior targeting other bee species, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Neolarra californica
cuckoo bee
Neolarra californica is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is known to parasitize nests of Perdita difficilis, a mining bee species. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the tribe Neolarrini, it represents one of the specialized parasitic lineages within the diverse Apidae family.
Neolarra vigilans
Neolarra vigilans is a kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. The species is known for its parasitic lifestyle, infiltrating the nests of host bees to lay its eggs. Its geographic range extends from northern Mexico to southern Canada, with a notable northward range extension documented in Oregon.
Neopasites mojavensis
Neopasites mojavensis is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. The species was described by Linsley in 1943 and is native to North America. As a member of the tribe Biastini, it is presumed to exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of host bees to exploit their provisions. The specific epithet "mojavensis" suggests an association with the Mojave Desert region.
Nomada affabilis
nomad bee
Nomada affabilis is a species of kleptoparasitic nomad bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic cuckoo bee lifestyle of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than building its own nests or collecting pollen. The species is distributed across North America and comprises two recognized subspecies: Nomada affabilis affabilis and Nomada affabilis dallasensis. Like other nomad bees, females likely locate host nests using chemical cues and possess reduced scopal structures for pollen collection.
Nomada armatella
Yellow-backed Nomad
Nomada armatella is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1903. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nests. The species has been documented in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont, United States. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets specific host bees, though detailed host associations for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Nomada articulata
Articulated Nomad
Nomada articulata is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae, first described by Smith in 1854. It is a kleptoparasitic species found in North America, specifically known to parasitize nests of the sweat bee Agapostemon sericeus. Like other Nomada species, it lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees and relies entirely on host bees to provision its offspring.
Nomada bella
Belle Nomad Bee
Nomada bella is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. As a kleptoparasite, females lay eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Vermont and other regions. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic wasp-like appearance of cuckoo bees, lacking the dense branched hairs used for pollen collection that are typical of non-parasitic bees.
Nomada besseyi
Bessey's Nomad Bee
Nomada besseyi is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Swenk in 1913. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species, particularly mining bees in the genus Andrena. The species is native to North America and exhibits the characteristic wasp-like appearance typical of nomad bees, lacking the branched body hairs used for pollen collection by non-parasitic bees.
Nomada bethunei
Bethune's Cuckoo Nomad Bee
Nomada bethunei is a species of kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1903. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is an obligate nest parasite that lays eggs in the nests of host bee species, primarily Andrena mining bees. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. Like other Nomada species, it lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees and instead relies on host bees to provision its offspring.
Nomada crotchii
Crotch's Nomad
Nomada crotchii is a species of nomad bee (kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae. It occurs in North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of other bees, though specific host relationships have not been documented for this species. The species was described by Cresson in 1878 and has two recognized subspecies: N. c. crotchii and N. c. nigrior.
Nomada cuneata
Cuneate Nomad Bee
Nomada cuneata is a kleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic cuckoo bee behavior of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nests or provisioning young. The species is recorded from Vermont and other parts of North America. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets specific host bees, though detailed host associations for this particular species remain poorly documented.
Nomada denticulata
Denticulate Nomad
Nomada denticulata is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee that lays eggs in the nests of other bee species rather than building its own nest or collecting pollen.
Nomada edwardsii
Edwards' Nomad
Nomada edwardsii is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae. It is a kleptoparasitic bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other bee species. The species is found in Central America and North America, with two recognized subspecies: Nomada edwardsii edwardsii and Nomada edwardsii vinnula.
Nomada electa
nomad bee, cuckoo bee
Nomada electa is a species of kleptoparasitic nomad bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. As a cuckoo bee, it does not build its own nests or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bee species. The species was described by Cresson in 1863.