Cleptoparasite
Guides
Ammobatini
cuckoo bees
Ammobatini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the subfamily Nomadinae of family Apidae. The tribe comprises approximately 8 genera and more than 130 described species. Members are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting halictids. The genus Chiasmognathus has been documented attacking Nomioides patruelis (Halictidae).
Argochrysis
cuckoo wasps
Argochrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasps (family Chrysididae) containing approximately five described species. Members are obligate cleptoparasites of solitary ground-nesting wasps in the genus Ammophila. The genus is notable for sophisticated learned foraging behaviors, including visual host location during nest excavation, spatial memory for nest locations, and surveillance of multiple nests during host absence.
Argochrysis armilla
Argochrysis armilla is a cleptoparasitic wasp in the family Chrysididae that specializes in attacking ground-nesting sphecid wasps of the genus Ammophila, particularly A. dysmica. This species has evolved sophisticated behavioral adaptations to overcome the temporal and spatial defenses of its hosts, including visual location of digging hosts, spatial learning of nest locations, and surveillance of multiple nests during host absence. Its foraging strategy creates strong selective pressure on host nesting behavior, favoring delayed provisioning and dispersed nest placement. The species was described by Bohart in 1982 and remains poorly known from a natural history perspective beyond its host interactions.
Biastini
Biastini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the subfamily Nomadinae (family Apidae). Members are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the nests of solitary bees, particularly oligolectic hosts. The tribe has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with recent phylogenomic studies establishing that Biastini is paraphyletic and should be synonymized under an expanded concept of Neolarrini. The tribe includes the enigmatic genus Schwarzia, which exhibits unusual morphological features and represents a transitional lineage.
Brachymelecta
Brachymelecta is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, established by Linsley in 1939. The genus was formerly known as Xeromelecta until 2021. These bees are cleptoparasites, meaning they lay eggs in the nests of other bees and rely on host provisions to rear their young. The genus includes six recognized species distributed primarily in North America and the Caribbean.
Brachymelecta californica
California Digger-cuckoo Bee
Brachymelecta californica, the California digger-cuckoo bee, is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, it does not construct its own nests or collect pollen, but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily species of Anthophora. The species is native to western North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range including California and adjacent regions.
Brachynomada
Brachynomada is a genus of cuckoo bees comprising approximately 16-17 described species. As members of the tribe Brachynomadini, these bees are cleptoparasites that lay their eggs in the nests of other bee species. The genus was established by Holmberg in 1886 and is classified within the subfamily Nomadinae of the family Apidae.
Brachynomadini
cuckoo bees
Brachynomadini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees within the subfamily Nomadinae of family Apidae. The tribe contains at least five genera and approximately 20 described species. Members are brood parasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bee species, primarily within the family Apidae.
Ceropales
cuckoo spider wasp
Ceropales is a genus of kleptoparasitic spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the prey of other solitary wasps rather than hunting spiders themselves. The genus originated in Eurasia approximately 10.6 million years ago and achieved its cosmopolitan distribution through multiple long-distance dispersal events across land bridges and oceanic barriers.
Chaetodactylus krombeini
Krombein's hairy-footed pollen mite
Chaetodactylus krombeini is a cleptoparasitic mite in the family Chaetodactylidae that infests nests of solitary megachilid bees, primarily Osmia lignaria (blue orchard bee) and Osmia cornifrons (hornfaced bee). Described by Baker in 1962, this 0.5 mm mite consumes pollen and nectar provisions intended for developing bee larvae, causing mortality through starvation and direct egg damage. The mite disperses between nests primarily by hitchhiking on adult bees during emergence, though walking dispersal through nest entrances and parasitic wasp holes has been documented. Females are larger than males. Despite the common name "pollen mite," the species consumes more nectar than pollen.
Chrysidoidea
Cuckoo Wasps and Allies
Chrysidoidea is a large, cosmopolitan superfamily of aculeate wasps comprising approximately 6,000 described species across seven extant families. The group includes three large, common families—Bethylidae, Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps), and Dryinidae—and four small, rare families—Embolemidae, Plumariidae, Sclerogibbidae, and Scolebythidae. All members are parasitoids or cleptoparasites of other insects. The superfamily is traditionally considered the basal taxon within Aculeata, with some species capable of stinging though their venom is harmless to humans. Members of Dryinidae and Embolemidae exhibit a unique life cycle where larvae begin development inside the host body and later form an external sac (thylacium) protruding from the host abdomen.
Chrysis lucifera
Chrysis lucifera is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Bohart in 1982. Like other members of its genus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of solitary wasps and bees, where its larvae consume the host's provisioned food. The species exhibits the characteristic brilliant metallic coloration and armored exoskeleton typical of cuckoo wasps. Specific details about its host associations and geographic range remain limited in published literature.
Chrysis rivalis
Chrysis rivalis is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Like other members of the genus Chrysis, it exhibits bright metallic coloration and a parasitic lifestyle, laying eggs in the nests of solitary wasps or bees. The species belongs to a taxonomically challenging group where color variation and morphological similarity have historically complicated species identification. Cuckoo wasps in this genus possess armored exoskeletons and the ability to curl into a defensive ball to protect against host attacks.
Chrysura pacifica
Chrysura pacifica is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Members of this genus are known as cleptoparasites of other bees and wasps, with females laying eggs in the nests of host species. The specific epithet "pacifica" suggests a western North American distribution, though detailed records are sparse. The species has been documented in at least three iNaturalist observations.
Coelioxys coturnix
Coelioxys coturnix is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as sharp-tailed bees or cuckoo leafcutting bees. As a cleptoparasite, females do not construct their own nests or provision cells with pollen. Instead, they exploit nests of host bees in the genus Megachile, laying eggs in host cells where their larvae kill the host offspring and consume the stored provisions. The species has been documented exhibiting hospicidal behavior, where the parasitic larva actively kills the host egg or larva.
Coelioxys edita
Coelioxys edita is a species of sharp-tailed bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nests of other bees rather than building its own. The species was described by Cresson in 1872 and occurs in North America and Middle America. As a cuckoo bee, it represents one of the many parasitic strategies found within the solitary bees.
Coelioxys hunteri
Hunter's cuckoo-leaf-cutter bee
Coelioxys hunteri is a species of cuckoo leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nest provisions of other bees rather than collecting pollen and nectar itself. The species was described by Crawford in 1914 and occurs in North America and Middle America.
Coelioxys immaculatus
Coelioxys immaculatus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cockerell in 1912. Like all members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite (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 bee, females do not construct nests or collect pollen but instead lay eggs in the nests of host species.
Coelioxys modestus
Modest Sharptail
Coelioxys modestus is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Modest Sharptail. It is a cleptoparasitic bee that targets other Megachilidae, particularly leafcutter bees (Megachile). The species occurs in North America, with records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. Like other Coelioxys, females possess a distinctive pointed abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nests.
Coelioxys obtusiventris
Coelioxys obtusiventris is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite that exploits the nests of leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). The female lays her egg in the host's provisioned nest cell, and her larva kills the host egg or larva before consuming the stored pollen and nectar. This species occurs in North America and is one of approximately 50 species in the genus Coelioxys worldwide.
Coelioxys rufitarsis
red-legged cuckoo leafcutter bee, red-footed cuckoo leafcutter
Coelioxys rufitarsis is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the red-legged cuckoo leafcutter bee. Native to North America, this species does not construct its own nests but instead parasitizes the nests of other megachilid bees, particularly leafcutter bees in the genus Megachile. Females deposit eggs in host nest cells, and their larvae kill the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions intended for the host offspring.
Coelioxys slossoni slossoni
Coelioxys slossoni slossoni is a subspecies of sharp-tailed bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, it is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nests of leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). The female lays her eggs in the nest cells of host bees, and her larvae kill the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions. The subspecies was described by Viereck in 1902 and occurs in North America.
Coelioxys texanus
Coelioxys texanus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily targeting leafcutter bees (Megachile species). The specific epithet "texanus" indicates a Texas association, likely reflecting the type locality or early collection records from that region. Like other Coelioxys species, females possess a pointed, conical abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nest cells.
Dioxys productus
Dioxys productus is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, tribe Dioxyini. The species was described by Cresson in 1879 and is known from North America and Middle America. Members of the genus Dioxys are cleptoparasitic bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other megachilid bees.
Epeolini
cuckoo bees
Epeolini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the subfamily Nomadinae. Members are commonly known as cuckoo bees and are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the nest provisions of other bee species for their own offspring development. The tribe comprises five subtribes and approximately ten genera, including Epeolus, Triepeolus, Odyneropsis, Doeringiella, and Thalestria. Several European species are considered endangered or nearly extinct, while others remain widespread.
Epeoloides
Macropis Cuckoo Bee
Epeoloides is a genus of kleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bees in the family Apidae, tribe Osirini. The genus comprises two known species: Epeoloides coecutiens (Fabricius, 1775) in Europe and Epeoloides pilosulus (Cresson, 1878) in North America. Both species are nest parasites of oil-collecting bees in the genus Macropis (Melittidae), which themselves are specialized pollinators of oil-producing flowers in the genus Lysimachia. This tripartite ecological dependency—between flower, host bee, and parasite—makes Epeoloides one of the rarest and most vulnerable bee genera in the Holarctic region.
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.
Epeolus americanus
American Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus americanus is a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae. It was newly confirmed in 2020 to parasitize the solitary bee Colletes consors mesocopus, with the first instar larva described for the first time. The species belongs to a genus of bees that invade nests of polyester bees (genus Colletes) and lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees.
Epeolus australus
Epeolus australus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the genus Epeolus, a group of bees that do not construct their own nests or collect pollen. Like other members of its genus, this species invades the nests of host bees, primarily those in the genus Colletes (polyester bees), where it lays eggs that hatch into larvae that consume the host's provisions and offspring. The species is one of approximately 43 known Epeolus species in North America, with new species in this genus continuing to be described due to their small size, rarity relative to their hosts, and wasp-like appearance that makes them difficult to detect.
Epeolus autumnalis
Autumnal Cellophane-Cuckoo, cuckoo bee
Epeolus autumnalis is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it is a nest parasite of polyester bees in the genus Colletes. Like other cuckoo bees, it lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees and instead relies on host bees to provision its offspring. The species was described by Robertson in 1902.
Epeolus axillaris
Epeolus axillaris is a species of cuckoo bee described in 2018 by Thomas Onuferko. It belongs to the cleptoparasitic genus Epeolus, whose members lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen. The species is one of fifteen new Epeolus species described from North America in a comprehensive revision of the genus.
Epeolus barberiellus
Barber's Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus barberiellus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1907. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily species in the genus Colletes (cellophane bees). The species is known from North America, though specific details about its distribution, abundance, and ecological relationships remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners.
Epeolus compactus
Compact Cellophane-Cuckoo
Epeolus compactus is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is a specialized nest parasite of Colletes kincaidii, a ground-nesting polyester bee. The species occurs in North America and Mexico. Females enter host nests during the provisioning phase to lay eggs on pollen masses, and the resulting larvae consume both the host egg and its pollen provision.
Epeolus flavofasciatus
Yellow-banded Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus flavofasciatus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae, first described by Smith in 1879. Like other members of the genus Epeolus, this species does not construct its own nests or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily those in the genus Colletes (polyester bees). The species is characterized by its distinctive yellow-banded coloration and relatively small size. It occurs in North and Middle America, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala.
Epeolus glabratus
Smooth Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus glabratus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. As a cleptoparasite, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen. The species is found in North America. Like other members of the genus Epeolus, it likely targets nests of polyester bees in the genus Colletes, though specific host associations for this species remain poorly documented.
Epeolus lectoides
Sumac Cellophane-Cuckoo, cuckoo bee
Epeolus lectoides is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bees rather than building its own nest or collecting pollen. The species is found in North America and has been documented using Colletes latitarsis and Colletes nudus as hosts.
Epeolus minimus
Least Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus minimus is a small cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Least Cellophane-cuckoo Bee. As a member of the cuckoo bee genus Epeolus, it invades the nests of host bees to lay its eggs, relying on host-collected pollen provisions rather than gathering its own. The species is native to North America and has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont. Like other Epeolus species, it lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees, giving it a wasp-like appearance.
Epeolus olympiellus
Olympia Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus olympiellus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae. Like other members of its genus, it invades the nests of polyester bees (genus Colletes) to lay its eggs, with the resulting larvae killing the host's offspring and consuming the stored pollen. The species is found in North America and was described by Cockerell in 1904.
Epeolus pusillus
Dwarf Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus pusillus is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1864. The species is a specialized nest parasite of two cellophane bee species in the genus Colletes: C. compactus and C. ciliatoides. As a cuckoo bee, females lay eggs in host nests where their larvae kill the host egg or larva and consume the pollen provisions. The species is known from the United States and Mexico.
Epeolus scutellaris
red-chested cuckoo nomad bee, Notch-backed Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus scutellaris is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, it does not construct nests or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species occurs in North America and Mexico. It is one of approximately 43 Epeolus species recognized in North America.
Epeolus splendidus
Splendid Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus splendidus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee species described by Onuferko in 2018. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it invades the nests of polyester bees in the genus Colletes, where females lay eggs that hatch into larvae that kill the host egg or larva and consume the stored pollen. The species name 'splendidus' refers to its attractive appearance, characterized by short black, white, red, and yellow hairs forming distinctive patterns. Like other Epeolus species, it lacks the branched hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees due to its parasitic lifestyle.
Epeolus zonatus
Zoned Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus zonatus is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Smith in 1854. As a cleptoparasite, it lays eggs in the nests of host bees rather than building its own. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain limited in the available literature.
Ephuta
Ephuta is a widespread New World genus of velvet ants (Mutillidae) whose ecology remains poorly understood. The genus contains at least nine described species in Panama alone, with additional undescribed morphospecies. Ephuta species exhibit strong seasonal variation in abundance, peaking during the transition from dry to rainy season. As cleptoparasites, they develop in the nests of spider wasps (Pompilidae), with confirmed host records including Auplopus subaurarius in Brazil.
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.
Eusapyga
Eusapyga is a genus of wasps in the family Sapygidae, a group of cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary bees and wasps. The genus was established by Ezra Cresson in 1880. Members of this genus are found in North America. Like other sapygids, they are likely kleptoparasites, though species-level biology remains poorly documented.
Eusapyga verticalis
Eusapyga verticalis is a species of sapygid wasp in the family Sapygidae. Sapygid wasps are cleptoparasitic, meaning females lay eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, where their larvae consume the host's provisions. The species is part of a small family of wasps that are relatively poorly studied compared to their better-known relatives in the families Mutillidae and Scoliidae.
Foxia
Foxia is a genus of cleptoparasitic wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. The genus comprises 10 described species distributed across arid regions of the New World, from the United States south through Chile and Argentina. These wasps are obligate cleptoparasites, meaning they exploit the nests and provisions of other wasp species rather than constructing their own nests or hunting prey directly.
Foxia pacifica
Foxia pacifica is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It was described by Ashmead in 1898. The species is part of the genus Foxia, which belongs to the tribe Nyssonini. Based on the family-level classification and the genus name, members of Foxia are likely cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other ground-nesting hymenopterans.
Gasteruption visaliae
Carrot Wasp
Gasteruption visaliae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Gasteruptiidae, commonly known as carrot wasps. The species exhibits the distinctive family traits of an elongated neck, slender body, and enlarged hind tibiae. Like other gasteruptiids, it is presumed to parasitize solitary bees and wasps nesting in twigs or wood borings, though specific host records for this species remain limited. Females possess a long ovipositor for accessing host nests.