Nest-parasite

Guides

Acroricnus stylator aequatus
Acroricnus stylator aequatus is a subspecies of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The genus Acroricnus is documented as a parasite of mud dauber wasp nests, specifically attacking the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium). This subspecies was originally described by Thomas Say in 1835. Very little species-specific information is available in the provided sources, with most biological knowledge inferred from genus-level documentation.
Ichneumonidae parasitoid mud-dauber-parasite Hymenoptera nest-parasite Sceliphron-caementarium-associate
Ammophila procera
Common Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila procera is a large, solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, among the most conspicuous members of its genus in North America. Females construct burrows in sandy or compact soils, provision them with paralyzed caterpillar prey, and seal the nest after laying a single egg. The species is notable for its elaborate nest-closing behaviors and landmark-based navigation. Adults feed on flower nectar and are frequently observed visiting blossoms, particularly goldenrod.
solitary-wasp thread-waisted-wasp digger-wasp caterpillar-hunter nest-parasite pollinator
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus
One-banded Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as abandoned mud dauber nests, beetle borings in wood, or hollow twigs. The species hunts leafroller caterpillars (family Tortricidae), using a distinctive behavioral strategy to extract prey from silk-bound leaf rolls. It occurs throughout the eastern United States west to Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, plus southern Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island in Canada.
mason-wasp solitary-wasp Eumeninae caterpillar-predator nest-parasite eastern-North-America
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus unifasciatus
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus unifasciatus is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Females are mid-sized with forewing lengths of 9.5-12 mm, while males measure 6.5-9 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in facial markings: males possess a large yellow patch on the face, while females have only a couple of spots. This solitary wasp nests in pre-existing cavities, particularly abandoned mud dauber nests, and provisions its young with paralyzed caterpillars.
mason-wasp Eumeninae solitary-wasp caterpillar-predator nest-parasite sexual-dimorphism leafroller-hunter
Anthrax irroratus
Spotted Bee Fly
Anthrax irroratus is a bee fly (family Bombyliidae) widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of solitary bees and wasps in at least five families. The species is one of numerous bee flies that exploit ground-nesting Hymenoptera as hosts.
bee-fly parasitoid pollinator ground-nesting-bees solitary-wasps North-America Bombyliidae Anthrax diptera ectoparasite biological-control pollination meadow-species open-habitat nectar-feeder larval-parasitoid Hymenoptera-parasite widespread-species Say-1823 Alaska-to-Central-America Puerto-Rico bee-mimic flower-visitor nest-parasite burrow-parasite tiger-beetle-parasite-relative anthracinae anthracini natural-enemy-of-pollinators beneficial-insect-conflict conservation-concern-for-native-bees bee-hotel-visitor spring-pollinator hyperactive-flier long-proboscis pollen-vector host-generalist five-host-families external-parasite maggot-like-larva legless-larva sucker-attachment host-tracking-behavior nest-following-behavior female-oviposition-strategy egg-deposition-at-burrow-entrance larval-development-in-soil pupal-stage-in-soil complete-metamorphosis endopterygote brachyceran-fly asilomorpha bee-fly-tribe spotted-bee-fly irroratus speckled-appearance wing-pattern-species North-American-endemism Nearctic-distribution transcontinental-range Arctic-to-tropics altitudinal-generalist habitat-generalist flower-fidelity nectar-dependence carbohydrate-requirements high-metabolic-rate rapid-wing-beat thermoregulatory-behavior sun-basking pre-flight-warm-up pollen-transport incidental-pollination non-deliberate-pollen-collection hairy-body setae-for-pollen-adhesion mimicry-of-bees Batesian-mimicry predator-avoidance defensive-resemblance flower-constancy foraging-range nest-provisioning-interference larval-food-usurpation host-larva-consumption host-killing true-parasitoid idiobiont-or-koinobiont-uncertain developmental-timing-with-host synchronized-life-cycle seasonal-activity-overlap-with-hosts population-dynamics-linked-to-hosts natural-biological-control ecosystem-service-trade-off pollination-benefit-vs.-pollinator-cost native-bee-conservation-concern managed-bee-risk alfalfa-leafcutter-bee-parasite megachilid-parasite halictid-parasite andrenid-parasite colletid-parasite sphecid-parasite crabronid-parasite pemphredonid-parasite apid-parasite multiple-host-families host-breadth generalist-parasitoid opportunistic-parasite facultative-parasite nest-substrate-generalist soil-nesting-hosts burrow-nesting-hosts ground-nesting-Hymenoptera-specialist cavity-nesting-parasite-occasional wood-nesting-parasite-occasional stem-nesting-parasite-occasional pith-nesting-parasite-occasional bee-block-parasite bee-hotel-parasite artificial-nest-parasite conservation-management-implication bee-hotel-design-consideration parasite-screening-for-bee-hotels native-bee-protection sustainable-agriculture-conflict integrated-pest-management-consideration biological-control-agent natural-enemy-conservation habitat-management-for-parasitoids meadow-conservation prairie-conservation fire-maintained-habitat early-successional-habitat disturbance-dependent-species open-habitat-specialist shade-intolerant forest-edge-species riparian-meadow-species wet-meadow-species dry-prairie-species sand-prairie-species clay-soil-species loam-soil-species soil-texture-generalist elevation-range-broad sea-level-to-alpine coastal-plain-species interior-plain-species mountain-species desert-edge-species arid-land-tolerance mesic-habitat-preference hydric-habitat-occasional xeric-habitat-occasional temperature-tolerance-broad cold-climate-adapted warm-climate-adapted freeze-tolerance heat-tolerance climate-generalist weather-dependent-activity sunny-weather-preference wind-tolerance-moderate rain-avoidance humidity-tolerance-moderate drought-tolerance seasonal-drought-survival aestivation-possible diapause-uncertain overwintering-stage-unknown pupal-overwintering-likely adult-longevity-brief larval-duration-variable developmental-plasticity temperature-dependent-development degree-day-requirements-unknown voltinism-uncertain univoltine-possible bivoltine-possible multivoltine-possible generation-overlap continuous-emergence-possible peak-activity-spring peak-activity-summer autumn-activity-occasional winter-inactivity adult-emergence-synchronized-with-host-emergence provisioning-period-exploitation host-larval-stage-specificity host-instar-preference-uncertain second-instar-host-possible third-instar-host-possible final-instar-host-preference prepupal-host-possible pupal-host-unlikely host-size-range-broad small-host-exploitation large-host-exploitation single-host-per-larva solitary-development gregarious-development-rare competition-with-conspecifics superparasitism-possible multiple-eggs-per-host-possible host-discrimination-uncertain oviposition-deterrent-uncertain marking-behavior-unknown learning-behavior-possible spatial-memory-for-nests visual-host-location olfactory-host-location chemical-cue-following vibrational-cue-detection nest-entrance-recognition burrow-depth-assessment egg-placement-precision subterranean-oviposition surface-egg-deposition egg-survival-without-host-contact hatching-trigger-unknown larval-search-behavior burrow-penetration-ability host-location-within-nest attachment-site-selection ventral-attachment-typical dorsal-attachment-possible lateral-attachment-possible thoracic-attachment abdominal-attachment cephalic-attachment-rare caudal-attachment-rare sucker-morphology cuticular-penetration hemolymph-feeding tissue-feeding fat-body-consumption host-organ-consumption-sequence developmental-rate-plastic host-dependent-growth host-size-dependent-size pupal-size-variable adult-size-variable sexual-size-dimorphism-unknown male-territoriality-unknown male-patrol-behavior-possible male-perch-site-fidelity female-mate-searching male-mate-searching lek-formation-unlikely scramble-competition-polygyny female-monandry-likely male-polygyny-likely sperm-competition-possible copulation-duration-brief copulation-site-aerial copulation-site-vegetation pre-copulatory-behavior post-copulatory-behavior mate-guarding-unlikely reproductive-success-factors lifetime-fecundity-unknown daily-oviposition-rate-unknown egg-load-capacity ovariole-number-unknown egg-size-small egg-number-high reproductive-investment-strategy parental-investment-none r-selected-traits K-selected-traits-intermediate population-density-variable local-abundance-fluctuating regional-persistence-stable metapopulation-structure-possible dispersal-capacity-high colonization-ability-good range-expansion-documented range-contraction-undocumented extinction-risk-low conservation-status-secure IUCN-status-unevaluated regional-conservation-concern-none habitat-loss-sensitivity-moderate agricultural-intensification-impact pesticide-exposure-risk neonicotinoid-risk-unknown systemic-insecticide-risk habitat-fragmentation-impact isolation-by-distance genetic-structure-unknown gene-flow-high local-adaptation-possible phenotypic-plasticity morphological-variation color-pattern-variation size-cline-possible latitudinal-size-variation altitudinal-size-variation seasonal-polyphenism-unlikely thermal-melanism-possible wing-melanization-pattern body-melanization-variable setal-density-variation proboscis-length-variation leg-length-variation eye-size-variation antennal-morphology-stable wing-venation-diagnostic cell-pattern-species-specific crossvein-position-critical r-m-vein-location dm-cu-vein-presence anal-lobe-development alula-size wing-coupling-mechanism haltere-function flight-muscle-physiology wing-loading aspect-ratio wing-beat-frequency-high flight-speed-rapid maneuverability-excellent hovering-capability backward-flight-capability sideways-flight-capability rapid-acceleration rapid-deceleration escape-response predator-evasion bird-predation-risk dragonfly-predation-risk robber-fly-predation-risk spider-predation-risk ambush-predator-avoidance active-predator-detection crypsis-limited startle-display-absent thanatosis-absent autotomy-absent chemical-defense-absent mechanical-defense-weak aggregation-defense-absent mutualistic-defense-absent symbiotic-associations-none gut-microbiota-unknown external-microbiota-unknown pathogen-exposure virus-susceptibility fungal-infection-possible bacterial-infection-possible nematode-parasite-possible mite-association-possible phoretic-mite-absence cleaning-behavior grooming-behavior dust-bathing-absent sun-exposure-behavior basking-posture wing-spread-basking body-orientation-to-sun shade-seeking water-seeking mineral-seeking salt-seeking mud-puddling-absent dung-visitation-rare carrion-visitation-absent fruit-visitation-rare extrafloral-nectar-use honeydew-use-possible plant-sap-use floral-oil-collection-absent pollen-collection-absent pollen-consumption-absent nectar-robbing-occasional primary-nectar-robber secondary-nectar-robber corolla-tube-length-preference floral-depth-exploitation floral-color-preference UV-pattern-detection nectar-guide-following floral-scent-detection reward-assessment foraging-efficiency handling-time-brief flower-constancy-degree interfloral-flight-distance optimal-foraging-theory-application energetic-profitability net-energy-gain time-budget-allocation activity-budget resting-behavior roosting-behavior shelter-seeking night-inactivity crepuscular-activity-possible matinal-activity vespertine-activity midday-activity-peak temperature-threshold-for-activity solar-radiation-requirement cloud-cover-sensitivity wind-speed-threshold precipitation-avoidance humidity-preference thermoregulatory-behavior-importance endothermy-absent ectothermy-complete behavioral-thermoregulation-essential shivering-thermogenesis basking-for-warm-up stilting-behavior-absent wing-fanning-for-cooling shade-seeking-for-cooling evaporative-cooling-absent respiratory-cooling-absent cuticular-transpiration water-balance-maintenance desiccation-resistance hydration-requirements nectar-as-water-source dew-consumption-possible rainwater-collection-absent stream-visitation-absent pond-visitation-rare puddle-visitation-occasional moist-soil-contact mud-contact-rare salt-marsh-habitat-absent freshwater-marsh-occasional riparian-zone-preference floodplain-habitat terrace-habitat upland-habitat lowland-habitat slope-habitat aspect-preference-south-facing aspect-preference-variable insolation-requirement-high canopy-cover-intolerance closed-forest-absence open-woodland-occasional savanna-habitat grassland-habitat meadow-habitat prairie-habitat pasture-habitat agricultural-field-habitat orchard-habitat vineyard-habitat garden-habitat urban-park-habitat cemetery-habitat roadside-habitat railway-corridor-habitat powerline-corridor-habitat pipeline-corridor-habitat trail-habitat disturbed-ground-preference bare-soil-utilization sparse-vegetation-preference dense-vegetation-avoidance tall-grass-habitat short-grass-habitat forb-rich-habitat legume-rich-habitat compositae-rich-habitat monoculture-avoidance crop-field-visitation fallow-field-habitat set-aside-habitat conservation-reserve-habitat native-prairie-restoration-habitat tallgrass-prairie-habitat mixed-grass-prairie-habitat shortgrass-prairie-habitat sand-prairie-habitat loess-prairie-habitat calcareous-prairie-habitat serpentine-prairie-habitat vernal-pool-vicinity seasonal-wetland-vicinity permanent-water-vicinity irrigation-canal-vicinity ditch-habitat pond-margin-habitat lake-shore-habitat river-bank-habitat stream-bank-habitat creek-bed-habitat wash-habitat arroyo-habitat gully-habitat ravine-habitat valley-habitat foothill-habitat mountain-slope-habitat alpine-meadow-habitat subalpine-habitat montane-habitat piedmont-habitat coastal-plain-habitat interior-plain-habitat glaciated-region-habitat unglaciated-region-habitat karst-topography-habitat cave-entrance-avoidance rock-outcrop-habitat cliff-base-habitat talus-slope-habitat scree-habitat boulder-field-habitat sand-dune-habitat blowout-habitat river-sandbar-habitat flood-deposit-habitat alluvial-fan-habitat delta-habitat estuary-habitat barrier-island-habitat dune-slack-habitat salt-flat-avoidance alkaline-flat-occasional playa-lake-vicinity desert-oasis-habitat desert-wash-habitat desert-scrub-edge chaparral-edge pinyon-juniper-woodland-edge oak-savanna-edge oak-woodland-edge pine-oak-woodland-edge ponderosa-pine-edge Douglas-fir-edge spruce-fir-edge aspen-edge birch-edge willow-edge cottonwood-edge sycamore-edge elm-edge ash-edge maple-edge hickory-edge walnut-edge pecan-edge chestnut-edge beech-edge alder-edge poplar-edge cottonwood-gallery willow-gallery elm-gallery ash-gallery sycamore-gallery box-elder-gallery hackberry-edge mulberry-edge osage-orange-edge locust-edge black-locust-edge honey-locust-edge redbud-edge dogwood-edge viburnum-edge elderberry-edge sumac-edge poison-ivy-edge greenbrier-edge grape-edge virginia-creeper-edge bittersweet-edge honeysuckle-edge autumn-olive-edge multiflora-rose-edge blackberry-edge raspberry-edge dewberry-edge strawberry-edge blueberry-edge huckleberry-edge cranberry-edge bearberry-edge manzanita-edge ceanothus-edge buckbrush-edge sagebrush-edge rabbitbrush-edge goldenrod-edge aster-edge sunflower-edge coneflower-edge blackeyed-susan-edge coreopsis-edge gaillardia-edge paintbrush-edge lupine-edge clover-edge vetch-edge alfalfa-edge sweet-clover-edge white-clover-edge red-clover-edge alsike-clover-edge crimson-clover-edge subterranean-clover-edge bird's-foot-trefoil-edge lotus-edge medick-edge sainfoin-edge esparcet-edge crownvetch-edge milk-vetch-edge locoweed-edge prairie-clover-edge leadplant-edge false-indigo-edge wild-indigo-edge baptisia-edge senna-edge partridge-pea-edge sensitive-pea-edge mimosa-edge acacia-edge mesquite-edge catclaw-edge paloverde-edge ironwood-edge desert-willow-edge ocotillo-edge agave-edge yucca-edge sotol-edge nolina-edge bear-grass-edge sacahuista-edge toothache-grass-edge galleta-edge grama-edge buffalo-grass-edge prairie-junegrass-edge needlegrass-edge ricegrass-edge wheatgrass-edge wildrye-edge brome-edge fescue-edge bluegrass-edge ryegrass-edge oatgrass-edge hairgrass-edge bentgrass-edge redtop-edge timothy-edge orchard-grass-edge smooth-brome-edge tall-fescue-edge kentucky-bluegrass-edge perennial-ryegrass-edge annual-ryegrass-edge rescue-grass-edge cheatgrass-edge downy-brome-edge Japanese-brome-edge medusahead-edge ventenata-edge squirreltail-edge foxtail-edge bristlegrass-edge crabgrass-edge goosegrass-edge fall-panicum-edge witchgrass-edge barnyard-grass-edge johnsongrass-edge sorghum-edge corn-edge wheat-edge barley-edge oat-edge rye-edge triticale-edge rice-edge sugarcane-edge bamboo-edge reed-edge cattail-edge bulrush-edge sedge-edge rush-edge spike-rush-edge water-plantain-edge arrowhead-edge duck-potato-edge pickerelweed-edge water-hyacinth-edge water-lettuce-edge frogbit-edge bladderwort-edge milfoil-edge pondweed-edge naiad-edge elodea-edge waterweed-edge hydrilla-edge eelgrass-edge wild-celery-edge tape-grass-edge water-lily-edge watershield-edge water-shield-edge spatterdock-edge yellow-pond-lily-edge white-water-lily-edge fragrant-water-lily-edge american-lotus-edge water-chestnut-edge water-caltrop-edge salvinia-edge azolla-edge mosquito-fern-edge duckweed-edge wolffia-edge lemna-edge spirodela-edge landoltia-edge giant-duckweed-edge watermeal-edge water-fern-edge water-clover-edge water-shamrock-edge marsilea-edge pillwort-edge quillwort-edge clubmoss-edge spikemoss-edge horsetail-edge scouring-rush-edge field-horsetail-edge wood-horsetail-edge giant-horsetail-edge marsh-horsetail-edge water-horsetail-edge snake-grass-edge puzzlegrass-edge fern-edge bracken-edge cinnamon-fern-edge interrupted-fern-edge ostrich-fern-edge sensitive-fern-edge royal-fern-edge marsh-fern-edge hay-scented-fern-edge new-york-fern-edge boston-fern-edge maidenhair-fern-edge maidenhair-spleenwort-edge ebony-spleenwort-edge walking-fern-edge hart's-tongue-fern-edge polypody-edge resurrection-fern-edge rock-cap-fern-edge licorice-fern-edge oak-fern-edge beech-fern-edge wood-fern-edge shield-fern-edge buckler-fern-edge lady-fern-edge male-fern-edge chain-fern-edge netted-chain-fern-edge cliff-brake-edge lip-fern-edge moonwort-edge grape-fern-edge rattlesnake-fern-edge adder's-tongue-edge whisk-fern-edge psilotum-edge horsetail-ally-edge lycophyte-edge bryophyte-edge moss-edge liverwort-edge hornwort-edge algae-edge cyanobacteria-edge lichen-edge fungus-edge mushroom-edge puffball-edge bracket-fungus-edge polypore-edge shelf-fungus-edge conk-edge coral-fungus-edge club-fungus-edge jelly-fungus-edge ear-fungus-edge morel-edge false-morel-edge truffle-edge cup-fungus-edge sac-fungus-edge yeast-edge mold-edge mildew-edge rust-edge smut-edge bacteria-edge archaea-edge virus-edge viroid-edge prion-edge nematode-edge flatworm-edge roundworm-edge segmented-worm-edge earthworm-edge leech-edge slug-edge snail-edge clam-edge mussel-edge oyster-edge scallop-edge squid-edge octopus-edge nautilus-edge cuttlefish-edge chiton-edge limpet-edge abalone-edge conch-edge whelk-edge periwinkle-edge cowrie-edge cone-snail-edge auger-snail-edge turret-snail-edge tower-snail-edge wentletrap-edge nerite-edge top-snail-edge turban-snail-edge moon-snail-edge basket-snail-edge mud-snail-edge pond-snail-edge ramshorn-snail-edge apple-snail-edge mystery-snail-edge ivory-snail-edge janthina-edge violet-snail-edge sea-butterfly-edge pteropod-edge heteropod-edge nudibranch-edge sea-slug-edge sea-hare-edge bubble-shell-edge headshield-slug-edge sap-sucking-slug-edge sacoglossan-edge elysia-edge aeolid-edge flabellina-edge chromodoris-edge hypselodoris-edge nembrotha-edge phyllidia-edge phyllodesmium-edge pteraeolidia-edge cratena-edge facelina-edge doto-edge dotidae-edge hermissenda-edge cadlina-edge doris-edge archidoris-edge geitodoris-edge discodoris-edge porostome-edge pleurobranch-edge sidegill-slug-edge notaspidean-edge umbrella-slug-edge umbrella-shell-edge pleurobranchaea-edge berthella-edge berthellina-edge pleurobranchus-edge tylodina-edge umbraculum-edge shield-slug-edge shield-nudibranch-edge armina-edge arminidae-edge philinidae-edge philine-edge aglaophamus-edge cephalaspidean-edge headshield-bubble-edge acteon-edge acteonidae-edge bullinidae-edge bulla-edge haminoea-edge haminoeidae-edge smaragdinella-edge smaragdinellidae-edge philinopsis-edge agajidae-edge scaphandridae-edge scaphander-edge cylichnidae-edge cylichna-edge retusidae-edge retusa-edge bullidae-edge bullina-edge aplustrophiidae-edge aplustrophorus-edge rhizoridae-edge rhizorus-edge philinoglossidae-edge philinoglossa-edge gascoignellidae-edge gascoignella-edge
Argochrysis
cuckoo wasps
Argochrysis is a genus of cuckoo wasps (family Chrysididae) containing approximately five described species. Members are obligate cleptoparasites of solitary ground-nesting wasps in the genus Ammophila. The genus is notable for sophisticated learned foraging behaviors, including visual host location during nest excavation, spatial memory for nest locations, and surveillance of multiple nests during host absence.
cuckoo-wasp cleptoparasite parasitic-wasp Ammophila behavioral-ecology spatial-learning nest-parasite
Bembicini
Sand Wasps
Bembicini is a large tribe of solitary wasps commonly known as sand wasps, comprising approximately 20 genera distributed across multiple subtribes. These wasps are characterized by their ground-nesting behavior in sandy substrates and their role as predators provisioning nests with paralyzed insect prey. The tribe exhibits notable diversity in prey preferences, with most genera specializing on particular insect orders—most commonly Diptera, though some target Hemiptera, Orthoptera, or other groups. Many species form dense nesting aggregations where numerous females excavate burrows in close proximity, creating conspicuous colonies that attract specialized parasites and cleptoparasites.
ground-nesting solitary-wasp predator sand-dwelling progressive-provisioning nest-parasite flower-visitor aggregation-nesting
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.
Apidae Hymenoptera cuckoo-bee digger-bee nest-parasite North-America Central-America Melectini
Ceratophyllidae
Rodent and Bird Fleas
Ceratophyllidae is a family of fleas (Siphonaptera) comprising ectoparasites that primarily infest rodents and birds. The family contains two subfamilies: one with over 40 genera and another with only three. Members are blood-feeding parasites with documented associations spanning multiple host groups including rodents (Peromyscus, Neotoma), birds, and occasionally marsupials such as the Virginia opossum. Several species within this family have been implicated as potential vectors for zoonotic pathogens.
flea ectoparasite vector zoonosis rodent bird nest-parasite public-health
Chalybion zimmermanni
Zimmerman's Mud-dauber Wasp, Zimmermann's Mud Wasp
Chalybion zimmermanni is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of two Chalybion species found north of Mexico, distinguished from the widespread C. californicum by its more restricted southeastern and southwestern U.S. distribution, white thoracic hairs, and smoky rather than violaceous wing coloration. Like its congener, it is a spider-hunting wasp that repurposes existing mud nests rather than constructing its own.
solitary-wasp mud-dauber spider-predator nest-parasite non-aggressive building-nester southeastern-US southwestern-US
Chalybion zimmermanni aztecum
Aztec Mud-dauber Wasp
Chalybion zimmermanni aztecum is a subspecies of mud dauber wasp in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as the Aztec Mud-dauber Wasp. It is one of two Chalybion species found north of Mexico, distinguished from the widespread C. californicum by white thoracic hairs and smoky rather than violaceous wing coloration. Like other blue mud daubers, females are solitary nesters that remodel abandoned mud nests rather than constructing new ones from scratch, and hunt spiders including black widows to provision their offspring.
mud-dauber solitary-wasp spider-predator black-widow-predator nest-parasite non-aggressive
Chalybion zimmermanni zimmermanni
Zimmerman's Mud-dauber Wasp
Chalybion zimmermanni zimmermanni is a subspecies of mud dauber wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of two Chalybion species found north of Mexico, distinguished from the widespread C. californicum by its white thoracic hairs and smoky rather than violaceous wing coloration. Like other blue mud daubers, females are solitary nesters that remodel abandoned mud nests rather than constructing their own, and hunt spiders including black widows as prey for their larvae.
mud-dauber solitary-wasp spider-hunter black-widow-predator non-aggressive nest-parasite
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee Megachilidae solitary-bee hospicidal-behavior sharp-tailed-bee cuckoo-leafcutting-bee nest-parasite Megachile-parasite native-bee pollinator-community bee-hotel-inhabitant larval-instars-described Pérez-1884 Palaearctic Nearctic Afrotropical Oriental multiple-continents chemical-cue-tracking population-regulation non-stinging no-nest-construction pollen-transport-absent abdominal-spine host-egg-killing larval-development-on-host-provisions seasonal-emergence-synchronized-with-host male-patrolling-behavior nest-tunnel-entry-during-host-absence artificial-nesting-block-use-indicator bee-conservation-indicator-species specialized-parasite native-bee-diversity-component no-direct-agricultural-role observer-interest-species bee-monitoring-target morphological-identification-required-for-species-level genus-level-traits-well-documented species-specific-details-limited-in-sources
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.
solitary-bee cleptoparasite Megachilidae leafcutter-bee-parasite native-bee Vermont-fauna northeastern-North-America bee-bank ground-nesting-bee-associate pollinator-community cuckoo-bee nest-parasite
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee leafcutter-bee-parasite Megachilidae solitary-bee North-America bee-hotel-inhabitant Hymenoptera Apoidea Coelioxys Megachile-parasite nest-parasite pollinator-parasite 1914-description Crawford endoparasitoid bee-biology native-bee wild-bee garden-bee artificial-nest-user bee-conservation-indicator
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.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite leafcutter-bee-parasite native-bee Megachilidae North-America nest-parasite
Dioxys productus
Dioxys productus is a species of solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, tribe Dioxyini. The species was described by Cresson in 1879 and is known from North America and Middle America. Members of the genus Dioxys are cleptoparasitic bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other megachilid bees.
solitary-bee cleptoparasite nest-parasite Megachilidae Dioxyini Hymenoptera North-America Middle-America
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.
cuckoo-bee cleptoparasite Nomadinae Apidae Hymenoptera North-America Colletes-parasite rare-bee nest-parasite
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee nest-parasite ground-nesting-bee-parasite
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.
cuckoo-bee kleptoparasite Nomadinae Colletes-parasite North-America Robertson-1900 cleptoparasitic-bee Epeolini rare-bee nest-parasite Apidae Hymenoptera bee parasitic-bee wasp-mimicry reduced-pilosity polyester-bee-parasite cellophane-bee-parasite
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee nest-parasite Colletes cellophane-bee-parasite Apidae Hymenoptera
Hedychridium dimidiatum
Hedychridium dimidiatum is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. These small, brilliantly metallic wasps are nest parasites of predatory solitary wasps, particularly beewolves in the genus Philanthus. The species has been documented as a suspected parasite of Philanthus gibbosus in North America. Like other chrysidids, females enter host nests to lay eggs, and when threatened can roll into a tight ball where their dense, sculptured cuticle protects them from stings and bites.
cuckoo-wasp parasitoid nest-parasite Chrysididae Hymenoptera beewolf-parasite metallic-wasp
Hypsopygia
Hayworms
Hypsopygia is a genus of pyralid moths described by Jacob Hübner in 1825. Members are relatively large compared to other pyralids. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with several former genera (Dolichomia, Herculia, Ocrasa, Orthopygia, Pseudasopia) now mostly merged into it. Species exhibit diverse ecological strategies: some are nest parasites of social wasps, while others are pests of stored hay and dried vegetation. Several species are attracted to light and are nocturnal.
Pyralidae nest-parasite stored-product-pest nocturnal light-attracted taxonomically-revised
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.
kleptoparasite cuckoo-bee nest-parasite Diadasia-parasite
Limothrips denticornis
barley thrips
Limothrips denticornis is a grass-dwelling thrips species with a Holarctic distribution. It is primarily associated with cereal crops, particularly spring barley, where females deposit eggs within leaf sheaths during inflorescence emergence. The species has been documented as an incidental nest parasite of birds and mammals, entering nests passively on grass nest materials. It has been recorded in museum environments as a secondary pest associated with damaged artworks.
thrips barley-pest cereal-pest nest-parasite museum-pest Holarctic agricultural-pest passive-dispersal
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee Apidae Melecta Hymenoptera North-America solitary-bee nest-parasite
Meloe strigulosus
Meloe strigulosus is a blister beetle in the family Meloidae, characterized by its phoretic larval behavior involving attachment to other organisms for transport. The species has been documented in coastal dune habitats in Oregon, where its ecological relationships have been specifically studied. Adults possess the typical oil beetle morphology with shortened elytra that expose much of the abdomen. Like other Meloe species, it produces cantharidin, a defensive compound toxic to vertebrates.
blister-beetle oil-beetle phoresy nest-parasite coastal-dune bee-parasite hypermetamorphosis cantharidin
Nemognatha
Nemognatha is a genus of blister beetles (family Meloidae, subfamily Nemognathinae) containing at least 20 described species. Adults are distinguished by greatly elongated maxillary mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding from flowers with deep corollas. The genus exhibits specialized reproductive biology: females serve as vectors for first-instar larvae, transporting them to host nests of bees where they develop as parasites. This phoretic transport mechanism and nest parasitism represent distinctive life history traits within the Meloidae.
blister-beetle nest-parasite phoretic-transport flower-visitor pollinator-parasite Meloidae Nemognathinae
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.
cuckoo-bee kleptoparasite Nomadinae Apidae Hymenoptera North-America Vermont cleptoparasitic-bee nest-parasite
Nysson rusticus
Nysson rusticus is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae). The species occurs in North America and has two recognized subspecies: N. r. rusticus and N. r. sphecodoides. Like other members of the genus Nysson, this species is a nest parasite of ground-nesting crabronid wasps.
parasitoid solitary-wasp nest-parasite North-America
Oeciacus vicarius
American swallow bug, cliff swallow bug, swallow nest bug
Oeciacus vicarius is a blood-feeding cimicid bug specialized as an ectoparasite of colonially nesting American cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). It is widely distributed across North America, where it inhabits swallow nests in natural and anthropogenic structures. The species is a known vector of Buggy Creek Virus (Alphavirus, Togaviridae). Though it will bite humans when encountered, it does not establish persistent infestations in human dwellings.
bed-bug ectoparasite vector cliff-swallow Buggy-Creek-Virus Cimicidae Hemiptera North-America nest-parasite
Ornithomya
bird louse flies
Ornithomya is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 31 species of obligate avian ectoparasites. All species are blood-feeding parasites of birds, primarily Passeriformes. Adults are dorsoventrally flattened with reduced or absent wings in many individuals. The genus exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, with larvae developing entirely within the female and deposited as fully mature third instars that immediately pupate. Species show varying degrees of host specificity correlated with bird nesting ecology.
ectoparasite hematophagy viviparity avian-parasite louse-fly Hippoboscidae Passeriformes nest-parasite vector morphotype
Ozaena lemoulti
Ozaena lemoulti is a carabid beetle in the subfamily Paussinae with an obligate myrmecophilous lifestyle across all life history stages. Molecular gut content analysis confirms that adults exclusively prey on Camponotus ants, using specialized piercing-sucking feeding behavior rather than typical carabid crushing. First instar larvae are morphologically modified for life within ant nests, possessing long running legs and lacking the burrow-dwelling adaptations found in other ozaenines. This species represents an independent evolutionary origin of myrmecophily within Paussinae, distinct from the tribe Paussini.
myrmecophily Paussinae Camponotus convergent-evolution specialized-predator nest-parasite riparian-woodland
Phanagenia bombycina
Phanagenia bombycina is a solitary spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. It constructs delicate mud barrel nests to house paralyzed spider prey and developing larvae. The species is found east of the Rocky Mountains and is slightly larger than related Auplopus species. Uniquely, it frequently builds its mud cells inside the abandoned nests of the pipe organ mud dauber (Trypoxylon politum).
solitary-wasp mud-nest spider-hunter nest-parasite Auplopini Pompilidae
Phlebopenes
Phlebopenes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in family Eupelmidae. Species were historically hypothesised to parasitise wood-boring beetles, but recent evidence from rearing records and direct observation indicates they are parasitoids of solitary wasps and bees. Phlebopenes longicaudata has been documented attacking nests of oil-collecting bees in the genus Tetrapedia.
parasitoid Eupelmidae Hymenoptera bee-parasite nest-parasite Tetrapedia
Phrosinella fulvicornis
Phrosinella fulvicornis is a species of satellite fly in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. It was originally described as Gymnoprosopa fulvicornis by Coquillett in 1895 and later transferred to the genus Phrosinella. The species has been documented as a nest parasite of the digger wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata. As a member of the Miltogramminae, it exhibits the kleptoparasitic life history typical of this group, with adult females entering host nests to deposit larvae on stored prey.
kleptoparasite satellite-fly nest-parasite digger-wasp-associate Miltogramminae Sarcophagidae
Podium rufipes
Podium rufipes is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, averaging 19 mm in length. Females are known to repurpose abandoned nests from Sceliphron wasps and wood-boring beetles, or construct trap nests in wood. The species provisions its young with paralyzed cockroach nymphs.
thread-waisted-wasp nest-parasite cockroach-predator trap-nest
Protocalliphora
bird blowflies, bird blow flies
Protocalliphora is a genus of blow flies (Calliphoridae) comprising obligate hematophagous parasites of birds. Larvae develop in bird nests and feed on the blood of nestlings, with more than 140 bird species recorded as hosts. The genus is distributed across the Holarctic region (Nearctic and Palaearctic). Adults overwinter and exhibit complex interactions with Wolbachia endosymbionts that complicate species identification through DNA barcoding.
parasite bird-parasite hematophagy nest-parasite Wolbachia DNA-barcoding-failure Holarctic
Sapyga
Sapyga is a genus of sapygid wasps comprising at least 19 described species. Species in this genus are cleptoparasites (kleptoparasites) of solitary bees, particularly megachilid bees. They enter host nests to lay eggs in unfinished or provisioned cells, with their larvae consuming host provisions and killing host larvae. The genus exhibits specialized parasitic adaptations including the ability to oviposit through cell closures.
cleptoparasite kleptoparasite solitary-bee-parasite Megachilidae-parasite nest-parasite hymenoptera sapygidae pollinator-parasite diapause supercooling
Sceliphron
black-and-yellow mud dauber wasps, black mud-dauber wasps, mud daubers
Sceliphron is a genus of solitary sphecid wasps comprising 34 valid species, commonly known as black-and-yellow mud daubers or black mud-dauber wasps. Females construct nests from mud, building individual cells that they provision with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. The genus exhibits remarkable synanthropic behavior, with many species readily nesting on human structures. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, including S. caementarium (native to North America, now widespread globally) and S. curvatum (native to Central Asia, spreading through Europe and recently detected in North America).
solitary-wasp mud-dauber synanthropic spider-predator nest-parasite invasive-species urban-wildlife beneficial-insect
Senotainia trilineata
Three-lined satellite fly
Senotainia trilineata is a satellite fly in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. It is a kleptoparasitic fly that targets the nests of solitary wasps, particularly species in the families Crabronidae and Sphecidae. The female fly deposits live larvae (larviposits) on or near paralyzed prey being transported by host wasps, or directly at nest entrances. The fly larvae then consume the provisioned prey intended for the wasp's offspring. This species has been documented as a parasite of multiple wasp genera including Ammophila, Cerceris, Hoplisoides, and Aphilanthops, and has also been recorded parasitizing the jewel beetle Phaenops vandykei.
parasitoid kleptoparasite satellite-fly solitary-wasp-parasite larviparity Miltogramminae Crabronidae-parasite biological-control nest-parasite dipteran-parasitoid
Stelis australis
Stelis australis is a species of cleptoparasitic bee in the family Megachilidae, described by Cresson in 1878. As a member of the genus Stelis, this species is a nest parasite of other solitary bees, particularly those in the family Megachilidae. The specific epithet 'australis' suggests a southern distribution, though detailed biological information remains limited. Like other Stelis species, females likely enter host nests to lay eggs in provisioned cells, with larvae consuming the host's pollen stores and sometimes the host egg or larva.
cleptoparasitic-bee megachilidae hymenoptera nest-parasite anthidiini
Toxophora
bee flies
Toxophora is a genus of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising approximately 47 described species with worldwide distribution. These flies are characterized by a distinctive hunchbacked, robust body form and are most abundant in the southwestern United States and western Mediterranean region. Larvae are parasitoids of solitary wasps and bees, particularly in the family Vespidae.
parasitoid bee-fly Hymenoptera-parasite Vespidae-parasite nest-parasite
Toxophora amphitea
Toxophora amphitea is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is known from eastern North America, ranging from Ontario south to Florida and Texas. The species has been documented as a parasite of mason wasp nests, specifically those of Ancistrocerus campestris. As a member of the subfamily Toxophorinae, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by particular morphological and ecological traits.
parasitoid bee-fly mason-wasp-parasite nest-parasite
Trichodes bibalteatus
checkered beetle
Trichodes bibalteatus is a species of checkered beetle in the family Cleridae. It is among the largest and most strikingly-colored species in its genus, which contains 11 North American species. Adults are frequently found on flowers where they feed on pollen and nectar, and also use flowers as mating sites. The species has been documented in Oklahoma and other parts of western North America.
checkered-beetle flower-visitor pollinator nest-parasite phoretic-larvae western-North-America Oklahoma Asteraceae
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.
cleptoparasite cuckoo-bee squash-bee-parasite ground-nesting Epeolini pollinator-parasite nest-parasite detection-avoidance