Cuckoo-bee
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).
Ammobatoidini
cuckoo bees
Ammobatoidini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. The tribe contains at least four genera (Aethammobates, Ammobatoides, Holcopasites, and Schmiedeknechtia) and approximately 30 described species. Members are obligate cleptoparasites, laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The tribe has been documented in North America, with some species having restricted geographic ranges.
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.
Bombus suckleyi
Suckley's Cuckoo Bumble Bee, Suckley's Bumble Bee
Bombus suckleyi is a cuckoo bumble bee (subgenus Psithyrus) and obligate social parasite of other Bombus species. It lacks corbiculae (pollen baskets) on its hind legs, having lost the ability to collect pollen and nectar for its own brood. The species invades host colonies, kills or subdues the resident queen, and manipulates host workers to provision its offspring. Native to northwestern North America, it has experienced severe population declines of approximately 77% and is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN and NatureServe.
Bombus variabilis
Variable Cuckoo Bumble Bee, Variable Cuckoo Bumblebee
Bombus variabilis is a parasitic bumble bee (subgenus Psithyrus) native to North America. It lacks the ability to collect pollen or establish its own colonies, instead infiltrating nests of host bumble bees to reproduce. The species is critically dependent on Bombus pensylvanicus as its primary host, making its survival tightly linked to host population trends. Bombus variabilis has experienced significant decline due to habitat loss and climate change affecting its host.
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.
Brachymelecta interrupta
Interrupted Digger-cuckoo Bee
Brachymelecta interrupta is a species of digger-cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. As a cuckoo bee, it is presumed to be a nest parasite of other bees, though specific host relationships are not well documented. The species was originally described as Melecta interrupta by Cresson in 1872.
Brachymelecta larreae
Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee
Brachymelecta larreae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, known from Central America and North America. It is commonly called the Creosote Digger-cuckoo Bee. The species has been placed in multiple genera historically, with some authorities recognizing it as Xeromelecta larreae. As a cuckoo bee, it is presumed to exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of host bees.
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.
Brachynomada annectens
Brachynomada annectens is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Snelling and Rozen in 1987. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. As a member of the Nomadinae subfamily, it exhibits kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of other bees.
Brachynomada nimia
Brachynomada nimia is a kleptoparasitic bee species described by Snelling and Rozen in 1987. As a member of the tribe Brachynomadini, it belongs to a group of cuckoo bees that exploit the nests of other bee species. The genus Brachynomada comprises small, slender nomadine bees that parasitize ground-nesting bees. Very few documented observations of this species exist in public databases.
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.
Coelioxys
leaf-cutting cuckoo bees, sharp-tailed bees, sharptail bees
Coelioxys is a genus of solitary kleptoparasitic bees in the family Megachilidae, containing approximately 500 species across 15 subgenera. These bees are commonly known as leaf-cutting cuckoo bees or sharp-tailed bees. They do not construct their own nests or provision their young, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees and relying on host-collected pollen for their larval development.
Coelioxys alternatus
Alternate Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee
Coelioxys alternatus is a North American species of cuckoo leafcutter bee in the family Megachilidae. As a kleptoparasite, females do not construct their own nests but instead lay eggs in the nests of host leafcutter bees (Megachile species). The developing larva kills the host egg or larva and consumes the pollen provisions stored by the host female. The species is recorded from Vermont and other parts of eastern North America.
Coelioxys aztecus
Coelioxys aztecus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, this species is an obligate brood parasite (kleptoparasite) of other bees, primarily targeting leafcutter bees (Megachile). The species was described by Cresson in 1878 and occurs in Middle America. Like other Coelioxys, females possess a distinctive pointed abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nest cells.
Coelioxys banksi
Coelioxys banksi is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1914. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, it is a kleptoparasite that exploits the nests of other bees. The species is known to parasitize nests of Megachile relativa, a leafcutter bee. Like other Coelioxys species, females possess a pointed abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nest cells.
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.
cleptoparasitecuckoo-beeMegachilidaesolitary-beehospicidal-behaviorsharp-tailed-beecuckoo-leafcutting-beenest-parasiteMegachile-parasitenative-beepollinator-communitybee-hotel-inhabitantlarval-instars-describedPérez-1884PalaearcticNearcticAfrotropicalOrientalmultiple-continentschemical-cue-trackingpopulation-regulationnon-stingingno-nest-constructionpollen-transport-absentabdominal-spinehost-egg-killinglarval-development-on-host-provisionsseasonal-emergence-synchronized-with-hostmale-patrolling-behaviornest-tunnel-entry-during-host-absenceartificial-nesting-block-use-indicatorbee-conservation-indicator-speciesspecialized-parasitenative-bee-diversity-componentno-direct-agricultural-roleobserver-interest-speciesbee-monitoring-targetmorphological-identification-required-for-species-levelgenus-level-traits-well-documentedspecies-specific-details-limited-in-sourcesCoelioxys dolichos
carpenter-mimic cuckoo leaf-cutter bee
Coelioxys dolichos is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae. It is known to parasitize nests of the leaf-cutter bee Megachile xylocopoides. The species occurs in North America.
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 germanus
Coelioxys germanus is a species of cuckoo leafcutting bee in the family Megachilidae. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, it is a kleptoparasite that exploits the nests of host bees rather than constructing its own. The species was described by Cresson in 1878 and is known from North 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 menthae
Coelioxys menthae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, it is a brood parasite that targets leafcutter bees (Megachile species). The species was described by Cockerell in 1897 and occurs in North America and Middle America.
Coelioxys mexicanus
Coelioxys mexicanus is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae. As with other members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.). The species was described by Cresson in 1878 and occurs in North America and Middle America.
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.
cleptoparasitecuckoo-beeleafcutter-bee-parasiteMegachilidaesolitary-beeNorth-Americabee-hotel-inhabitantHymenopteraApoideaCoelioxysMegachile-parasitenest-parasitepollinator-parasite1914-descriptionCrawfordendoparasitoidbee-biologynative-beewild-beegarden-beeartificial-nest-userbee-conservation-indicatorCoelioxys octodentatus
Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter Bee
Coelioxys octodentatus is a kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as the Eight-toothed Cuckoo Leaf-cutter Bee. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, it parasitizes nests of leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.) rather than constructing its own. Females deposit eggs into host nest cells, and their larvae eliminate the host egg or larva before consuming the pollen provisions. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Middle America.
Coelioxys porterae
Coelioxys porterae is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. As a member of the genus Coelioxys, commonly known as sharp-tailed bees or cuckoo leafcutting bees, this species exhibits a parasitic lifestyle targeting other megachilid bees. The species is known from North America, with records from Vermont. Like other Coelioxys species, females likely deposit eggs in the nests of host bees, where their larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and kill the host egg or larva.
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 sayi
Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee
Coelioxys sayi is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly known as Say's Cuckoo Leafcutter Bee. As a member of the sharp-tailed bee genus 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 abdomen adapted for inserting eggs into host nest cells. The species occurs in North America and is active during the summer months when host species are nesting.
Coelioxys slossoni
Sharp-tailed Bee, Cuckoo Leafcutting Bee
Coelioxys slossoni is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Viereck in 1902. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, this species is a kleptoparasite that targets leafcutting bees (Megachile spp.). Females deposit their eggs into the provisioned nest cells of host bees, where their larvae consume the host's pollen stores and eliminate the host offspring. The species occurs in North and Middle America and includes two recognized subspecies: C. s. slossoni and C. s. arenicola.
Coelioxys slossoni arenicola
Coelioxys slossoni arenicola is a subspecies of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Crawford in 1914. Like other members of the genus Coelioxys, this subspecies is a brood parasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nest provisions of host bees rather than constructing its own nests. The subspecies epithet 'arenicola' suggests an association with sandy habitats. It occurs in Middle America and North America based on distribution records.
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.
Dioxyini
cuckoo bees
Dioxyini is a tribe of kleptoparasitic cuckoo bees in the family Megachilidae, comprising eight genera and approximately 36 species globally. European representatives include ten species across five genera (Aglaoapis, Dioxys, Ensliniana, Metadioxys, Paradioxys), with two species widespread across the continent and others restricted to southern Europe. These bees do not construct nests or collect pollen, instead exploiting the nest provisions of host 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.
Epeoloides pilosulus
Macropis Cuckoo Bee
Epeoloides pilosulus is one of the rarest bees in North America, an obligate kleptoparasite of oil-collecting Macropis bees (Melittidae). It belongs to the tribe Osirini, a group of parasitic bees entirely dependent on oil-collecting bees as hosts. The species was thought extinct from the 1950s until its rediscovery in Nova Scotia in 2004, with subsequent records from Alberta, Ontario, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Michigan extending its known range. Its survival depends on a three-way ecological relationship: E. pilosulus requires Macropis host bees, which in turn require oil-producing Lysimachia flowers for larval provisioning.
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 bifasciatus
Two-banded Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus bifasciatus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Two-banded Cellophane-cuckoo Bee. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it parasitizes nests of polyester bees in the genus Colletes, specifically targeting Colletes latitarsis. The species is distributed across Central America and North America.
Epeolus canadensis
Canadian Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus canadensis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bee species. The species is found in North America, with records from the United States and Canada.
Epeolus carolinus
Carolina Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus carolinus is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Mitchell in 1962. As a cleptoparasitic bee, it lays eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nests or collecting pollen. The species is native to North America and is one of approximately 43 recognized Epeolus species on the continent. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with polyester bees (Colletes) as hosts.
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.