Kleptoparasite
Guides
Aldrichiomyza
freeloader flies
Aldrichiomyza is a genus of freeloader flies in the family Milichiidae, established by Hendel in 1914. These flies are kleptoparasites, commonly found near predatory insects where they feed on captured prey. The genus contains six described species distributed across the Palearctic and Oriental regions. Aldrichiomyza species are characterized by their small size and association with other predatory arthropods.
Amisega kahlii
Amisega kahlii is a species of cuckoo wasp in the subfamily Amiseginae. Members of this genus are kleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other insects. The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the eastern and central United States.
Amobia
Amobia is a genus of satellite flies in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. These dipterans are obligate kleptoparasites of solitary wasps and bees, with females depositing larvae directly into host nests rather than laying eggs. The genus occurs across multiple continents including Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with species demonstrating specificity toward particular host taxa such as eumenid wasps (Anterhynchium, Orancistrocerus) and various solitary bees and wasps.
Argochrysis inornata
Argochrysis inornata is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Members of the genus Argochrysis are kleptoparasites that target ground-nesting bees, particularly in the family Anthophoridae. The specific name "inornata" (Latin for "unadorned" or "plain") suggests relatively simple coloration compared to the metallic brilliance typical of many chrysidids.
Argyrodes
Dewdrop Spiders
Argyrodes is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) commonly known as dewdrop spiders. The genus contains approximately 85 species distributed worldwide, with highest diversity in tropical regions. These spiders are best known for kleptoparasitism—living on the webs of larger orb-weaver spiders and feeding on small prey items that the host ignores. Some species exhibit arachnophagy, preying upon host spiders or their eggs when opportunities arise. The genus exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in cephalothorax structure, with males possessing modified cephalic regions used during copulation.
Argyrodes elevatus
dew-drop spider, American Dewdrop Spider
Argyrodes elevatus is a kleptoparasitic spider in the family Theridiidae that steals food from the webs of other spiders rather than building its own. Adults measure 4–7 mm in length, with males smaller than females. The species exhibits specialized adaptations for stealth, including vibrational detection of host activity, rapid prey theft completed in under 12 seconds, and nocturnal activity patterns that oppose those of diurnal host species. Courtship involves males presenting silk-wrapped prey as nuptial gifts to females.
Argyrodes nephilae
dewdrop spider
Argyrodes nephilae is a small cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae, commonly known as a dewdrop spider. It lives as a kleptoparasite in the webs of large orb-weaving spiders, particularly those in the genus Nephila. The species ranges from the United States through Central and South America to Argentina and the Galapagos Islands, with introduced populations in India.
Argyrodes pluto
Argyrodes pluto is a species of cobweb spider in the family Theridiidae. It is found in the United States, Mexico, and Jamaica. Like other members of the genus Argyrodes, it is likely a kleptoparasite that lives on the webs of larger orb-weaving spiders, though specific behavioral observations for this species are not documented.
Blaesoxipha hunteri
Blaesoxipha hunteri is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, originally described as Sarcophaga hunteri by Hough in 1898. Members of the genus Blaesoxipha are known as satellite flies due to their kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs on the prey of other insects rather than capturing prey directly. This species is part of a genus whose species are frequently associated with burrowing wasps and bees.
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 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.
Braulidae
bee lice, bee louse
Braulidae is a family of highly modified, wingless flies (Diptera) comprising two genera—Braula and Megabraula—with approximately seven to eight described species. These insects are obligate associates of honey bees (Apis spp.), exhibiting a commensal to kleptoparasitic lifestyle. Adults are minute (1.6–3 mm), reddish-brown, and superficially resemble mites or lice due to their reduced morphology. They attach to bee bodies using specialized claw structures and feed by intercepting food during trophallaxis. The family has undergone extensive morphological simplification associated with this specialized host relationship.
Cacoxenus
Houdini fly
Cacoxenus is a genus of small fruit flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) whose members are kleptoparasites of solitary bees. The best-documented species, C. indagator, infests nest cells of mason bees (Osmia spp.), laying eggs in pollen provisions intended for bee larvae. Larvae consume the pollen stores and frequently kill the host bee larvae. The common name "Houdini fly" refers to the larvae's ability to escape through mud nest partitions by gnawing exit holes. The genus has been introduced outside its native European range, including North America, where it threatens managed solitary bee populations.
Cacoxenus indagator
Houdini fly
Cacoxenus indagator is a kleptoparasitic fruit fly native to central and southern Europe that has been introduced to North America. Females lay eggs in the pollen-filled nest cells of cavity-nesting solitary bees, particularly mason bees (Osmia species). The larvae consume pollen stores intended for host bee larvae, causing host mortality or reduced adult size. The species is commonly called the "Houdini fly" for its ability to escape sealed nest cells. It poses a significant threat to managed solitary bee populations in commercial pollination operations.
Caenochrysis doriae
Caenochrysis doriae is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, first described by Gribodo in 1874. Members of this genus are kleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other wasps and bees. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, including Arizona and Utah. Specific biological details for C. doriae remain poorly documented in published literature.
Ceratochrysis
Ceratochrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, established by Cooper in 1952. Members are kleptoparasitic wasps known for their metallic coloration and hard, sculptured exoskeletons. The genus is distinguished by antennal characteristics and specific structural features of the mesosoma. Species within this genus target the nests of other wasps and bees, laying eggs in host provisions.
Ceropales
cuckoo spider wasp
Ceropales is a genus of kleptoparasitic spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the prey of other solitary wasps rather than hunting spiders themselves. The genus originated in Eurasia approximately 10.6 million years ago and achieved its cosmopolitan distribution through multiple long-distance dispersal events across land bridges and oceanic barriers.
Ceropales bipunctata
two-spotted spider wasp, kleptoparasitic spider wasp
Ceropales bipunctata is a diurnal, obligate kleptoparasitic spider wasp that cannot capture its own prey and must rely on provisions stolen from other spider wasps. The species is notable for its distinctive cream-colored spots on the thorax and its specialized parasitic lifestyle targeting the book lungs of spiders captured by host wasps. It occurs in two recognized subspecies with different geographic distributions and leg coloration.
Ceropales elegans elegans
Ceropales elegans elegans is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females lay eggs in the nests of other spider wasps. The subspecies is recorded from Texas. Members of the genus Ceropales are characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive coloration patterns.
Ceropales elegans quaintancei
Ceropales elegans quaintancei is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Viereck in 1902. It belongs to a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females lay eggs in the nests of other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. The subspecies is recorded from Texas. Like other members of Ceropales, it likely has a slender body with contrasting coloration typical of spider wasps.
Ceropales hatoda
Ceropales hatoda is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Brimley in 1928. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that exploit the prey provisions of other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. This species is part of a group noted for its distinctive coloration and potential role in mimicry complexes with other aculeate wasps.
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. It is part of a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females steal prey from other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. The subspecies epithet 'rhodomerus' refers to its reddish coloration. Records indicate presence in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a northwestern European distribution.
Ceropales maculata stretchii
Ceropales maculata stretchii is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Fox in 1892. As a member of the genus Ceropales, it belongs to a group of wasps known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in spiders already paralyzed by other spider wasps. The subspecies has been recorded from Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a European distribution.
Ceropales nigripes
Ceropales nigripes is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that lay eggs in spiders already captured and paralyzed by other spider wasp species. This species has been observed in Colorado Springs and may serve as a visual model for mimicry by the ichneumon wasp Ceratogastra ornata.
Ceropales rugata
Ceropales rugata is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that do not hunt spiders themselves but instead lay eggs on spiders captured by other pompilid wasps. This species belongs to a lineage exhibiting Batesian mimicry of stinging spider wasps, particularly in the genus Poecilopompilus.
Ceropalinae
cuckoo spider wasps
Ceropalinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (Pompilidae) comprising two genera: Ceropales and Irenangelus. Members are obligate kleptoparasites that exploit the nests of other solitary wasps, primarily fellow pompilids that hunt spiders. Unlike most spider wasps that provision their own nests with paralyzed spiders, ceropalines invade the nests of host wasps to lay their eggs on spiders already captured and stored by the host. This parasitic lifestyle represents a distinct evolutionary strategy within the Pompilidae.
Chaetodactylus
Chaetodactylus is a genus of parasitic mites in the family Chaetodactylidae containing over 20 species. These mites are obligate associates of solitary bees, primarily in the families Megachilidae and Anthophoridae. They are kleptoparasites that consume pollen and nectar provisions intended for bee larvae, and frequently kill developing bee larvae through direct attack. The genus exhibits a complex life cycle involving two distinct deutonymph stages: a phoretic form that disperses on adult bees and an inert, cyst-like non-phoretic form that survives in nest cavities to infest subsequent host generations. Several species have become significant pests in managed pollinator systems, particularly in orchard pollination operations using Osmia bees.
Chloropidae
frit flies, grass flies, eye gnats
Chloropidae are a large family of small flies comprising approximately 2000 described species in over 160 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults are minute to small (1.0–4.0 mm, rarely to 12 mm), typically yellow, black, gray, or greenish, with a shiny appearance due to sparse pubescence. The mesonotum often bears three to five dark longitudinal stripes. Larvae exhibit diverse life histories: most are phytophagous, feeding on grasses and cereal crops, with some species causing significant agricultural damage; others are saprophagous, predatory, parasitic, or kleptoparasitic. A few species in genera Hippelates and Siphunculina are attracted to lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of mammals, earning the name 'eye gnats' and serving as mechanical vectors of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Chrysidinae
cuckoo wasps
Chrysidinae is the largest and most familiar subfamily of cuckoo wasps, containing approximately 3000 species across 48 genera worldwide. These wasps are renowned for their brilliant metallic coloration, primarily in blues and greens, and their heavily sculptured exoskeletons. They are obligate brood parasites of solitary bees and wasps, with females incapable of stinging due to modification of the sting apparatus into an egg-laying tube. Their distinctive defensive behavior involves rolling into a ball to protect vulnerable appendages when threatened.
Chrysis antennalis
Chrysis antennalis is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, described by Rosen & DeBach in 1979. Like other members of the genus Chrysis, this species is a kleptoparasite that lays eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps and bees. The larvae consume the provisions intended for the host's offspring.
Chrysis apontis
Chrysis apontis is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, described by Bohart in 1982. Cuckoo wasps in the genus Chrysis are kleptoparasitic, laying eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps and bees. The larvae consume the host's provisions and offspring. Members of this genus are known for their metallic coloration and heavily armored exoskeletons.
Chrysis montana
Chrysis montana is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Cuckoo wasps in this genus are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps and bees. The species epithet "montana" suggests an association with mountainous regions, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented. Members of Chrysis are recognized by their brilliant metallic coloration and compact, armored bodies.
Chrysis nitidula-complex
The Chrysis nitidula-complex is a species group of cuckoo wasps (family Chrysididae) characterized by metallic coloration and parasitic life history. Members of this complex are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps, particularly mason wasps. The larvae consume the prey provisions intended for the host's offspring. Species within this complex are difficult to distinguish morphologically and require detailed examination for definitive identification.
Chrysis parkeri
Chrysis parkeri is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Cuckoo wasps are kleptoparasites that lay eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps and bees, with their larvae consuming the host's food stores. Members of the genus Chrysis are known for their striking metallic coloration and heavily armored exoskeletons.
Chrysura
cuckoo wasps
Chrysura is a large genus of cuckoo wasps in the family Chrysididae, comprising 117 species described by Dahlbom in 1845. The genus is predominantly Palaearctic in distribution, with 106 of 117 species occurring in this region. Members are kleptoparasites that target megachilid bees, laying eggs in host nests where larvae consume host provisions. The type species is Chrysura austriaca.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
Desmometopa
freeloader flies
Desmometopa is a genus of freeloader flies in the family Milichiidae containing more than 50 described species. These tiny flies are notable kleptoparasites, frequently observed feeding on prey captured by spiders, praying mantises, and assassin bugs. They appear within seconds of a predator securing prey, taking advantage of the kill without contributing to its capture. Predators generally ignore them due to their minute size.
Elampini
Elampini is a tribe of cuckoo wasps within the family Chrysididae, comprising approximately 12 genera including Elampus, Hedychrum, and Holopyga. Members are kleptoparasitic wasps that lay eggs in the nests of other hymenopterans, particularly solitary bees and wasps. The tribe is distinguished by morphological features of the metasoma and male genitalia. Elampini species are found across the Holarctic region with highest diversity in the Palearctic.