Leaf-cutter-bee-parasite
Guides
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 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.
Sapyga louisi
Louis's Club-horned Cuckoo Wasp, club-horned cuckoo wasp
A small species of club-horned wasp in the family Sapygidae. Adults visit flowers for nectar. The larvae are kleptoparasites that develop by consuming the provisions and host larvae of leaf-cutter bees, including Heriades carinata. The species is distinguished from allies by distinctive yellow body markings and reduced size.