A small parasitic bee species within the Sphecodes genus, characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown coloration and specialized cleptoparasitic behavior in bee colonies.
Image Gallery
ADSENSE SLOT
Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Found across temperate European regions, primarily in meadows, grasslands, and areas with diverse flowering plants where host bee species are present
Ecological Role
Acts as a cleptoparasitic species that infiltrates host bee nests, laying eggs and utilizing host bee resources without contributing to direct pollination
Morphology
SKIN COATReddish-brown exoskeleton with slight metallic sheen, predominantly smooth surface
LIMBS WINGSTransparent wings with slight brownish tint, short legs adapted for quick movement between host nests
HEAD SENSORYWell-developed compound eyes, short antennae with specialized sensory receptors for nest identification
BODY STRUCTURESmall bee, approximately 6-8 mm in length, with compact exoskeleton and robust thorax
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.792.28042
