Cuckoo-bee
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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.
Epeolus howardi
Howard's Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus howardi, commonly known as Howard's cellophane-cuckoo bee, is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae. As a member of the genus Epeolus, it is a nest parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing its own nest or collecting pollen. The species is known from North America and was described by Mitchell in 1962.
Epeolus interruptus
Interrupted Cellophane-cuckoo Bee
Epeolus interruptus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. First described by Robertson in 1900, this species invades the nests of polyester bees (genus Colletes) to lay its eggs. Like other cuckoo bees, females lack the branched body hairs used for pollen collection and instead rely on host bees to provision their offspring. The species exhibits reduced pilosity compared to non-parasitic bees, giving it a wasp-like appearance.
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 mesillae
Mesilla Cellophane Bee
Epeolus mesillae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1895. As a kleptoparasite, it invades the nests of host bees to lay its eggs, with its offspring consuming the host's provisions. The species is recorded from North America and Middle America. Like other Epeolus species, it lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees and instead exhibits color patterns of short black, white, red, and yellow hairs.
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.
Ericrocidini
cuckoo bees
Ericrocidini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bees within the family Apidae, containing 11 genera and approximately 42 species distributed throughout the Neotropics. These bees are obligate parasites of oil-collecting bees, primarily attacking nests of Centris (Centridini) and, in one derived case, Epicharis. Females do not construct nests or collect pollen; instead, they invade host nests, kill host eggs or larvae, and deposit their eggs in provisioned brood cells. The tribe diverged from related lineages approximately 74 million years ago in the Cretaceous, with host specialization evolving synchronously with their Centris and Epicharis hosts during the Eocene.
Ericrocis
Ericrocis is a genus of kleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as centris-cuckoo bees. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. As cuckoo bees, Ericrocis species do not construct their own nests but instead lay eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily in the genus Centris. The genus was established by Cresson in 1887 and belongs to the tribe Ericrocidini.
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.
Hexepeolini
Hexepeolini is a monotypic tribe of cuckoo bees within the subfamily Nomadinae (family Apidae). The tribe contains a single genus, Hexepeolus, which in turn contains only one species, Hexepeolus rhodogyne. As cuckoo bees, members of this tribe are brood parasites that do not construct nests or collect pollen. The extreme rarity of this tribe—represented by only two observations on iNaturalist—reflects its narrow geographic distribution and specialized ecological requirements.
Hexepeolus
Hexepeolus is a monotypic genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, established by Linsley and Michener in 1937. It represents the sole genus within the tribe Hexepeolini and contains only one described species, Hexepeolus rhodogyne. As a member of the subfamily Nomadinae, these bees exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of other bee species. The genus is rarely encountered, with minimal observational records.
Holcopasites
cuckoo bees
Holcopasites is a genus of small, uncommon cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. The genus contains at least 20 described species distributed in North America. All species are obligate brood parasites that infiltrate the nests of solitary host bees to exploit food provisions intended for host offspring. Males are distinguished from nearly all other Apidae by having 12 antennal segments rather than the typical 13.
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.
Leiopodus singularis
Singular Turret-Cuckoo
Leiopodus singularis is a kleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. It is a specialized brood parasite that targets the nests of Diadasia olivacea, a host bee species. The species exhibits distinctive behavioral adaptations for nest infiltration, including prolonged perching outside host nests and multiple brief inspection visits before oviposition. Its life cycle involves direct larval combat where the first instar kills the much larger host larva.
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 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.
Mesoplia
centris-cuckoos, cuckoo bees
Mesoplia is a genus of cleptoparasitic bees in the family Apidae, tribe Ericrocidini. Commonly known as centris-cuckoos, these bees are brood parasites that lay eggs in the nests of oil-collecting bees in the tribe Centridini. The genus contains approximately 15–17 described species distributed across the Neotropical region, with the highest diversity in Mexico and Central America.
Neolarra
Neolarra is a genus of minute cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, containing approximately 16 described species restricted to North America. These bees are kleptoparasites that target nests of Perdita bees, laying eggs that hatch into larvae that consume the host's provisions and offspring. Adults are exceptionally small, measuring less than a grain of rice. The genus was first described in 1890 by Ashmead, who initially misclassified it as a wasp genus.
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.
Neolarrini
Neolarrini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees in the subfamily Nomadinae, family Apidae. Following recent phylogenomic revision, this tribe now encompasses approximately 40 species across five genera: Biastes, Neolarra, Rhopalolemma, Schwarzia, and Townsendiella. The tribe was expanded to include the former tribes Biastini and Townsendiellini as synonyms to ensure monophyly. Neolarrini likely originated in the Nearctic during the mid-Eocene and is exclusively composed of parasites of oligolectic host bees.
Neopasites
Neopasites is a subgenus of cuckoo bees within the genus Biastes (family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae). Established by Ashmead in 1898, it was formerly treated as a distinct genus but has been reclassified as a subgenus of Biastes. These bees are cleptoparasites, laying eggs in the nests of other bee species. The group is relatively small and understudied, with limited published information on species-level biology.
Neopasites cressoni
Neopasites cressoni is a kleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae, tribe Biastini. It is native to North America and targets hosts in the genus Hesperapis, a group of ground-nesting bees. Like other members of the Nomadinae subfamily, females lack pollen-collecting structures and rely entirely on host nests for reproduction. The species was described by Crawford in 1916.
Neopasites fulviventris
Neopasites fulviventris is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. It belongs to the tribe Biastini within the subfamily Nomadinae, a group of bees known for their kleptoparasitic lifestyle. The species is native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other bee species, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.
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
Nomad Bees, Cuckoo Bees
Nomada is one of the largest genera in the family Apidae, with over 850 species worldwide. These bees are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily ground-nesting species in the genus Andrena. Adult bees lack pollen-carrying scopa and are mostly hairless, feeding on nectar but not collecting pollen for offspring. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'roaming' or 'wandering,' reflecting their parasitic lifestyle.
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 cressonii
Cresson's Nomad Bee
Nomada cressonii is a kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic behavior of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nest or collecting pollen. The species is named after entomologist Ezra Townsend Cresson. Like other nomad bees, females likely locate host nests using chemical cues and possess reduced body hair compared to pollen-collecting bees.
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.
Nomada erigeronis
Nomada erigeronis is a species of nomad bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae, first described by Robertson in 1897. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bee species, particularly mining bees in the genus Andrena. The species is found in North America and is one of many Nomada species that exploit the nesting efforts of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen.
Nomada fervida
Fervid Nomad Bee
Nomada fervida is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it exhibits kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in the nests of host bee species. The species was first described by Smith in 1854. As a nest parasite, it relies on host bees to provision its offspring with pollen and nectar.
Nomada gracilis
Gracile Nomad
Nomada gracilis is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it does not construct nests or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bee species. The larvae consume the host's provisions and often kill the host larva. This species is recorded from North America, with specific observations documented from Vermont, United States.
Nomada gutierreziae
Nomada gutierreziae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1896. 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 is known from Middle and North America. Like other Nomada species, females likely locate host nests using chemical cues. Males of the genus have been observed to engage in "antennal grabbing" during copulation, a behavior involving the winding of antennae around the female's antennae to transfer pheromones, though this specific behavior has not been directly documented for N. gutierreziae.
Nomada hemphilli
Nomada hemphilli is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae. It was described by Cockerell in 1903 and is found in Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasitic bee that lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species. The genus is known for males exhibiting 'antennal grabbing' behavior during copulation, where antennae are wound around the female to transfer pheromones, though this specific behavior has not been directly documented for N. hemphilli.
Nomada imbricata
Imbricate Cuckoo Nomad Bee
Nomada imbricata is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Smith in 1854. Like all Nomada species, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species, primarily members of the genus Andrena. The species exhibits the characteristic reduced hairiness of cuckoo bees, having lost the branched body hairs used by pollen-collecting bees. Its common name "Imbricate" refers to the overlapping scale-like pattern of its integument.
Nomada luteoloides
Black-and-yellow Nomad Bee
Nomada luteoloides is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a kleptoparasite, it does not construct its own nest or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bee species. The female offspring develop by consuming the host's provisions and often the host egg or larva. The species is part of the diverse Nomada genus, which contains numerous cuckoo bee species that parasitize various ground-nesting bees, particularly in the genus Andrena.
Nomada maculata
Spotted Nomad Bee
Nomada maculata, the Spotted Nomad Bee, is a kleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it does not construct its own nest but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bee species, primarily ground-nesting bees in the genus Andrena. The species is found in North America, with documented records from the northeastern United States including Vermont. As a cuckoo bee, females enter host nests to deposit eggs, and the resulting larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and may destroy the host egg or larva.
Nomada mutans
Nomada mutans is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1910. 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 nest or provisioning offspring. The species is part of a diverse genus of over 850 described species worldwide, many of which are poorly known biologically.
Nomada obliterata
Obliterated Nomad
Nomada obliterata is a species of kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is presumed to lay eggs in the nests of host bee species, though specific host associations for this particular species have not been documented. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Vermont, USA.
Nomada placida
Placid Nomad Bee
Nomada placida is a species of kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. As a member of the genus Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic lifestyle of nomad bees: females lay their eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen. The species is found in North America, though specific details about its host associations, habitat preferences, and population status remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Nomada pygmaea
Pygmy Nomad
Nomada pygmaea is a species of kleptoparasitic 'cuckoo' bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. As a member of the genus Nomada, it lays eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than constructing its own nest or collecting pollen. The species is found in North America, with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. Like other nomad bees, it exhibits the characteristic wasp-like appearance resulting from reduced hair coverage, an adaptation associated with its parasitic lifestyle.
Nomada suavis
Suave Nomad Bee
Nomada suavis is a species of nomad bee in the family Apidae, found in North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasitic cuckoo bee that does not construct its own nest or collect pollen. The species was described by Cresson in 1878. Like other nomad bees, it likely lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species, though specific host relationships for N. suavis have not been documented.
Nomada texana
Texas Nomad Bee
Nomada texana, commonly known as the Texas Nomad Bee, is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is native to the southern and western United States and Mexico. As a kleptoparasite, it does not build its own nest or collect pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bee species. Males measure 7.5–8.0 mm and females 8–9 mm. The species exhibits the black and yellow coloration typical of the genus, with reddish legs.
Nomada tiftonensis
Tifton Nomad Bee
Nomada tiftonensis is a species of cuckoo bee 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 or collecting pollen. The species is known from scattered records in the eastern and midwestern United States, including Michigan and Vermont. Like other nomad bees, it likely relies on visual and chemical cues to locate host nests.
Nomada utahensis
Utah Nomad Bee
Nomada utahensis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Moalif in 1988. 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 is known from North America, with limited observational records available.
Nomada vegana
nomad bee
Nomada vegana is a species of kleptoparasitic nomad bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1903. 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 constructing its own nests or collecting pollen. The species is known from Central America and North America, with iNaturalist recording over 1,800 observations. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets nests of Andrena or related ground-nesting bees as hosts.
Nomada verecunda
Nomada verecunda is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1879. 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 nest or collecting pollen. The species is known from North America, though specific details regarding its biology, host associations, and conservation status remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Nomada vicina
Neighborly Nomad
Nomada vicina is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1863. 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 is known from North America with confirmed records from Vermont and other regions. Like other Nomada species, it likely targets nests of mining bees in the genus Andrena. The common name "Neighborly Nomad" reflects both its parasitic lifestyle and its taxonomic proximity to related species.
Nomada vincta
Nomada vincta is a species of cuckoo bee (kleptoparasite) in the family Apidae, native to North America. As a member of the genus Nomada, it is presumed to exhibit the characteristic kleptoparasitic behavior of laying eggs in the nests of host bee species, though specific host associations for this species are not well documented. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1837. Like other nomad bees, it likely lacks the branched body hairs typical of pollen-collecting bees, giving it a wasp-like appearance.
Nomada zebrata
Nomada zebrata is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1878. Like other members of the genus Nomada, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of host bee species rather than building its own nest or collecting pollen. The species exhibits the characteristic wasp-like appearance typical of cuckoo bees, with reduced body hair compared to pollen-collecting bees. It is native to North America.
Nomadinae
cuckoo bees, nomad and related cuckoo bees
Nomadinae is a subfamily of bees in the family Apidae, commonly known as cuckoo bees. All members are obligate kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bee species. They lack pollen-carrying structures and often exhibit wasp-like morphology. The subfamily is cosmopolitan, with diverse host associations across multiple bee families. Females enter host nests when unoccupied and deposit eggs into host cell walls; emerging larvae kill the host offspring and consume the stored provisions.
Nomadini
Nomad bees
Nomadini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic bees within the subfamily Nomadinae, family Apidae. The tribe contains the genus Nomada, one of the largest genera of cuckoo bees with over 850 species worldwide. These bees are obligate cleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily mining bees (Andrena). They lack pollen-carrying structures and exhibit wasp-like coloration with red, black, and yellow patterns.
Oreopasites
Oreopasites is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1906. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species, all of which are kleptoparasitic bees that lay their eggs in the nests of host bees. Species in this genus are found in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus is classified within the tribe Ammobatini of the subfamily Nomadinae.
Oreopasites barbarae
Barbara's oreopasites
Oreopasites barbarae is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee described by Rozen in 1992. It belongs to the tribe Ammobatini within the subfamily Nomadinae, a group characterized by parasitic life histories. The species is found in North America. Like other members of its genus, it likely parasitizes nests of ground-nesting bees, though specific host records remain undocumented.
Paranomada
Paranomada is a genus of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, tribe Brachynomadini. The genus contains three described species, all endemic to western North America. As cleptoparasites, these bees do not construct their own nests or provision their own young, but instead lay eggs in the nests of host bees.
Paranomada velutina
Black-velvet Flat-Nomad
Paranomada velutina is a cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Linsley in 1939. It belongs to the subfamily Nomadinae, a group of bees that are cleptoparasites (nest parasites) of other bees. The species is known from the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other nomadine bees, it lacks pollen-collecting structures and relies on host bees to provision its young.
Rhopalolemma
Rhopalolemma is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, established by Roig-Alsina in 1991. The genus belongs to the tribe Biastini within the subfamily Nomadinae. Two species have been described: R. robertsi (1991) and R. rotundiceps (1997). As cuckoo bees, members of this genus are presumed to be cleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of host bees.
Rhopalolemma rotundiceps
Rhopalolemma rotundiceps is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Roig-Alsina in 1997. As a member of the tribe Biastini within the subfamily Nomadinae, it is a cleptoparasitic bee that lays eggs in the nests of host bees. The species is known from North America. Little detailed biological information has been published for this species.
Sphecodes
Blood Bees, Cuckoo Sweat Bees
Sphecodes is a genus of kleptoparasitic bees in the family Halictidae, commonly known as blood bees due to their distinctive black and red coloration. With over 300 described species, this is one of the largest genera of cuckoo bees and has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Females lack pollen-collecting structures and instead lay eggs in the nests of ground-nesting host bees, primarily in the genera Lasioglossum, Halictus, and Andrena. The larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and develop at the expense of the host offspring.
Sphecodes aroniae
Sphecodes aroniae is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It belongs to a genus of cleptoparasitic bees commonly known as blood bees, which lay eggs in the nests of other solitary bees. The species was described by Mitchell in 1960 and is known from North America, with confirmed records from Vermont, United States.
Sphecodes davisii
Davis's Cuckoo Sweat Bee
Sphecodes davisii is a cleptoparasitic sweat bee in the family Halictidae. As a member of the genus Sphecodes, it exhibits the cuckoo bee lifestyle: females enter nests of host sweat bees to lay eggs in brood cells, where their larvae consume the host's provisions and developing young. The species is native to North America, with documented records from Vermont and broader North American distribution. Like other Sphecodes, it likely targets ground-nesting Halictidae as hosts.
Sphecodes dichrous
Blood Bee
Sphecodes dichrous is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as a blood bee. Like other members of the genus Sphecodes, females lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary bees, primarily sweat bees (Halictus and Lasioglossum species). The larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and parasitize the host larvae. The species has been recorded in North America, including Vermont.
Sphecodes heraclei heraclei
Northern Cyclops Blood Bee
Sphecodes heraclei heraclei is a subspecies of blood bee in the family Halictidae. As a member of the genus Sphecodes, it is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nests of other solitary bees, particularly sweat bees in the family Halictidae. The subspecies was described by Robertson in 1897. Like other Sphecodes, females enter host nests to lay eggs in brood cells, with their larvae consuming the host's pollen provisions and parasitizing the host larvae.
Sphecodes heraclei ignitus
Fiery Cyclops Blood Bee
Sphecodes heraclei ignitus is a subspecies of blood bee within the family Halictidae. Like other members of the genus Sphecodes, this bee is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that exploits the nests of other solitary bees. The subspecific epithet 'ignitus' (meaning 'fiery') and its common name suggest distinctive coloration. The species was described by Cockerell in 1922. As a Sphecodes, it exhibits the characteristic parasitic lifestyle of the genus, targeting sweat bees and other ground-nesting halictids.
Sphecodes johnsonii
Johnson's sphecodes
Sphecodes johnsonii is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It belongs to the genus Sphecodes, commonly known as blood bees or cuckoo sweat bees, which are kleptoparasitic bees that exploit the nests of other bees. The species was described by Lovell in 1909 and is found in North America.
Sphecodes ranunculi
Blood Bee
Sphecodes ranunculi is a species of cleptoparasitic sweat bee in the family Halictidae, first described by Robertson in 1897. As a member of the genus Sphecodes, commonly known as "blood bees" for their typically red and black coloration, this species exhibits the cuckoo-like reproductive strategy characteristic of the genus: females invade nests of other solitary bees to lay eggs in host brood chambers. The parasitic larvae consume the host's pollen provisions and prey upon the host's developing young.
Sphecodes solonis
sweat bee
Sphecodes solonis is a species of sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is a cleptoparasitic or 'cuckoo' bee, meaning females lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary bees. The species was described by Graenicher in 1911. Like other members of the genus Sphecodes, it exhibits a wasp-like appearance with a slender waist and typically reddish or dark coloration.
Stelis australis floridensis
Stelis australis floridensis is a subspecies of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae. It was described by Mitchell in 1962. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this bee is a kleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, primarily megachilid hosts. The subspecific epithet 'floridensis' indicates its association with Florida. Very few observations of this taxon have been recorded.
Stelis coarctatus
Compressed Dark Bee
Stelis coarctatus is a North American species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cuckoo bee that lays eggs in the nests of other bees, typically megachilid hosts. The species was described by Crawford in 1916 and has been recorded from Vermont in the northeastern United States. Like other Stelis species, it lacks pollen-collecting structures and depends entirely on host provisions for its offspring.
Stelis costalis
cuckoo bee
Stelis costalis is a species of cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Megachilidae. The species is known from North America and Central America. In 2020, it was documented as a parasite of the giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis, representing the first recorded host association for this species.
Stelis diversicolor
All-black Dark Bee
Stelis diversicolor is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1916. It is found in Central America and North America. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this species is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is known from 18 iNaturalist observations and is recognized by the common name 'All-black Dark Bee'.
Stelis interrupta
cuckoo bee
Stelis interrupta is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, first described by Cresson in 1879. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Stelis lateralis
Spot-sided Dark Bee
Stelis lateralis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other bees, particularly megachilids. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Two subspecies are recognized: Stelis lateralis lateralis and Stelis lateralis permaculata.
Stelis laticincta
Wide-striped Painted-Dark bee
Stelis laticincta is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a kleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is found in North America.
Stelis louisae
Louisiana Painted-Dark bee
Stelis louisae is a cuckoo bee (kleptoparasite) in the family Megachilidae, described by T.D.A. Cockerell in 1911. It occurs in the eastern United States and Ontario, Canada, with activity recorded from March through September. The species has been observed visiting Helianthus (sunflower) flowers. As a member of the genus Stelis, it likely parasitizes nests of other bees, though specific host records for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Stelis perpulchra
Stelis perpulchra is a cuckoo bee species in the family Megachilidae, first described by Crawford in 1916. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other bees. The species occurs in both Central America and North America.
Stelis rudbeckiarum
Coneflower Painted-Dark bee
Stelis rudbeckiarum is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cockerell in 1904. As a member of the genus Stelis, it is an obligate cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees. The species is distributed across North America and Central America. Its specific epithet 'rudbeckiarum' suggests an association with Rudbeckia (coneflowers), likely reflecting host or foraging relationships.
Stelis texana
Stelis texana is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Thorp in 1966. Like other members of the genus Stelis, this species is a cleptoparasite that lays its eggs in the nests of other bees, particularly those in the family Megachilidae. The species is known from Texas and adjacent regions in North America. Records indicate presence in Middle America and North America.
Townsendiella
Townsendiella is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, established by Crawford in 1916. The genus contains four described species found in arid regions of western North America. As cleptoparasitic bees, females lay eggs in the nests of other bee species, with their larvae consuming the host's food stores. Townsendiella is the sole genus in the tribe Townsendiellini.
Townsendiella pulchra
Townsendiella pulchra is a cuckoo bee (family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae) known from the United States and Mexico. It is a kleptoparasite, meaning females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own. The species specifically targets Hesperapis larreae as its host. As a member of the tribe Townsendiellini, it belongs to a small group of specialized nomadine bees with limited documented natural history.
Townsendiella rufiventris
Townsendiella rufiventris is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Linsley in 1942. It belongs to the tribe Townsendiellini within the subfamily Nomadinae. The species has been recorded in the United States and Mexico. As a member of Nomadinae, it is presumed to be a cleptoparasite (cuckoo bee) that lays eggs in the nests of other bees, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Triepeolus brittaini
Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee
Triepeolus brittaini is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1931. As a member of the cuckoo bee genus Triepeolus, it is known to lay its eggs in the nests of other bee species rather than constructing its own nests or provisioning brood cells. The species is found in North America and is commonly known as Brittain's Cuckoo Nomad Bee.
Triepeolus concavus
Concave Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus concavus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae. Females lay eggs in the ground nests of host bees, particularly sunflower bees (Svastra obliqua expurgata). The species lacks pollen-collecting structures (scopa) and relies on stealing food stores provisioned by host bees. It is found in the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus distinctus
Triepeolus distinctus is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. As a member of the tribe Epeolini, it is a brood parasite of other bees, likely targeting hosts in the family Apidae such as long-horned bees (Eucerini). The species occurs in North America, though specific details about its biology and host associations remain limited in published literature.
Triepeolus donatus
Thistle Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus donatus is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America, particularly in the eastern United States and Canada. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in wing coloration and antennae length.
Triepeolus eliseae
Elise's Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus eliseae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Rightmyer in 2017. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other bees rather than constructing its own nests or gathering pollen. The species is known from California and is associated with native bee communities in grassland and prairie habitats. Like other Triepeolus species, it is a specialist parasite of long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera).
Triepeolus grandis
Great Feather-tongue-Cuckoo
Triepeolus grandis is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. It is a cuckoo bee that parasitizes the ground-nesting bee Caupolicana yarrowi (Colletidae: Diphaglossinae). Females enter host nests during or after host provisioning, destroy host eggs or larvae, and lay their own eggs on the host's pollen provisions. The species occurs in North America and Central America.
Triepeolus grindeliae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus grindeliae is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, described by Cockerell in 1907. As a member of the cleptoparasitic genus Triepeolus, it does not construct its own nests but instead lays eggs in the nests of host bees, typically in the family Apidae. The species is found in North America. The specific epithet "grindeliae" suggests a possible association with plants in the genus Grindelia (gumweeds), which may serve as a nectar source or indicate host bee habitat.
Triepeolus intrepidus
Intrepid Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus intrepidus is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, tribe Epeolini. It is found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it is a nest parasite of other bees, likely targeting long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera). The species was originally described as Epeolus intrepidus by Smith in 1879.
Triepeolus kathrynae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus kathrynae is a species of cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, tribe Epeolini. The species was described by Rozen in 1989. Like other members of the genus Triepeolus, it is a brood parasite that does not construct nests or gather pollen. It has been recorded from the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus loomisorum
Triepeolus loomisorum is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Rozen in 1989. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cuckoo bee that does not construct nests or gather pollen, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species is known from the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus lunatus
Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo Bee, cuckoo bee
Triepeolus lunatus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Lunate Longhorn-cuckoo Bee. It occurs across North America from Canada to northern Mexico, and has been observed in Central America. The species inhabits forest edges and meadows, where it parasitizes nests of host bees. As a member of the simplex species group, females possess a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave apical margin.
Triepeolus martini
Triepeolus martini is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1900. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it functions as a cuckoo bee, laying eggs in the nests of host bees. The species has been documented in the United States and Mexico.
Triepeolus matildae
Matilda's Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus matildae is a cleptoparasitic bee species described by Rightmyer in 2014. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is commonly known as Matilda's Longhorn-Cuckoo. The species is documented from California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It has been recorded visiting flowers of several plant families including Asteraceae and Polygonaceae. Activity records span from mid-May through late September.
Triepeolus mexicanus
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus mexicanus is a cleptoparasitic (cuckoo) bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. It belongs to the simplex species group of the genus Triepeolus, characterized by females having a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave apical margin. The species is found in Central America and North America.
Triepeolus pectoralis
Goldenrod Longhorn-Cuckoo Bee
Triepeolus pectoralis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Apidae. It is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other regions. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cleptoparasitic bee that lays eggs in the nests of host bees. The species has been documented on flowers including White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) and Great Valley gumplant (Grindelia camporum).
Triepeolus quadrifasciatus
Four-striped Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus quadrifasciatus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the Four-striped Longhorn-Cuckoo. As a member of the tribe Epeolini, this species is a brood parasite of other bees, specifically targeting hosts in the tribe Eucerini (long-horned bees). The species occurs throughout North America and has been documented visiting flowers of native plants including Dalea candida (White Prairie Clover) and Grindelia camporum (Great Valley gumplant).
Triepeolus remigatus
Squash Longhorn-Cuckoo, cuckoo bee
Triepeolus remigatus is a cleptoparasitic bee (cuckoo bee) in the family Apidae. It parasitizes the nests of squash bees, particularly Xenoglossa pruinosa. Unlike most bees, it does not collect pollen or construct its own nests. The species is found in the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Triepeolus rufithorax
Florida Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus rufithorax is a cleptoparasitic cuckoo bee in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it parasitizes nests of long-horned bees (Melissodes and related genera). The species is known from North America, with records particularly from Florida and surrounding regions. Like other Triepeolus species, females enter host nests to lay eggs in brood cells provisioned by the host female.
Triepeolus sarothrinus
Triepeolus sarothrinus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, originally described as Epeolus sarothrinus by Cockerell in 1929. The species was synonymized under Triepeolus segregatus (Cockerell, 1900) in a 2024 revision of the simplex species group. As a member of the cleptoparasitic genus Triepeolus, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or gathering pollen. The species belongs to the simplex group, characterized by females having a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave apical margin.
Triepeolus simplex
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus simplex is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae, described by Robertson in 1903. It belongs to the simplex species group, characterized by females possessing a trapezoidal or triangular pseudopygidial area with bright, reflective setae and a concave apical margin. As a cuckoo bee, it does not construct nests or collect pollen but instead parasitizes the nests of other bee species. The species occurs in North America and is part of an entirely New World group of Triepeolus species.
Triepeolus utahensis
Utah Longhorn-Cuckoo
Triepeolus utahensis is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, first described by Cockerell in 1921. As a member of the genus Triepeolus, it is a cuckoo bee that parasitizes nests of digger bees (Anthophorini). The species is native to western North America, with the specific epithet 'utahensis' indicating its association with Utah. Like other Triepeolus species, it lacks pollen-collecting structures and relies entirely on host nests for larval provisioning.
Triepeolus verbesinae
cuckoo bee
Triepeolus verbesinae is a cleptoparasitic bee species in the family Apidae. As a cuckoo bee, females lay eggs in the nests of host bees rather than constructing their own nests or provisioning brood cells. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Triepeolus, it is associated with pollen-collecting host bees, though the specific host species for T. verbesinae has not been definitively documented.
Triopasites
Triopasites is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae, and tribe Brachynomadini. The genus was described by Linsley in 1939 and contains at least two described species: T. penniger (Cockerell, 1894) and T. spinifera (Rozen, 1997). As cleptoparasitic bees, species in this genus do not construct their own nests but instead lay eggs in the nests of host bees.
Triopasites penniger
Triopasites penniger is a cuckoo bee species in the family Apidae, subfamily Nomadinae. Like other members of the genus, it is a cleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of host bees. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It belongs to the tribe Brachynomadini, a group of small, often inconspicuous cuckoo bees.
Zacosmia
Zacosmia is a genus of bees in the family Apidae, tribe Melectini, established by Ashmead in 1899. The genus contains one described species, Zacosmia maculata. Members are classified as cuckoo bees (kleptoparasites), meaning they lay eggs in the nests of other bee species rather than provisioning their own. The genus is placed within the subfamily Apinae, a diverse group that includes honey bees, bumble bees, and numerous solitary bee lineages.
Zacosmia maculata
Spotted Mini-digger-Cuckoo
Zacosmia maculata is a species of kleptoparasitic bee in the family Apidae, tribe Melectini. As a cuckoo bee, females do not construct nests or collect pollen; instead, they lay eggs in the nests of host bees, primarily species of Hesperapis. The species occurs in western North America and parts of Middle America.