Cellophane-cuckoo-bee
Guides
Epeolus
variegated cuckoo-bees, cellophane-cuckoo bees
Epeolus is a genus of medium-sized cleptoparasitic bees comprising approximately 100 described species worldwide. All known species are obligate nest parasites (kleptoparasites) of mining bees in the genus Colletes. Females lack the branched pollen-collecting hairs typical of most bees and instead possess specialized abdominal spines used to pierce the cellophane-like nest linings of their hosts. The genus is distinguished by striking black-and-white or black-white-red-yellow integumental patterns formed by short, fat hairs lying flush against the body surface.