This cleptoparasitic bee is approximately 3/8” in length. The head is large and black with black eyes. The thorax is black with light gray and black colored fuzz. The abdomen is black with thin white bands. Females have a pointed abdomen and males have tooth-like projections at the tip of the cone-shaped abdomen (Photo B). This species was identified by volunteer experts at the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence in this area is not known. The only known sighting is of a male in the Wetlands Garden at Fontenelle Forest in mid-July. Look for it nectaring on flowers.
This species is cleptoparasitic on other bees in this family. The female uses her pointed abdomen to break into Megachile nests. She removes the host egg and lays her egg in the nest. The larva kills the occupant and then eats the pollen and nectar stores intended for the offspring of its host. The female lacks the pollen brush under the abdomen typical of other bees in this family.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.