description Cuckoo Sweat Bee (Sphecodes monilicornis) Overview
Sphecodes monilicornis, commonly called the box-headed blood bee, is a Palearctic sweat bee in the family Halictidae. It is cleptoparasitic: females do not gather pollen for their own brood, instead entering nests of other bees and laying eggs there, so host females provision the developing larvae. The species is relevant to field naturalists and pollinator surveys because its identification depends on small morphological details.
help Cuckoo Sweat Bee (Sphecodes monilicornis) FAQ
What is Sphecodes monilicornis commonly called?
Sphecodes monilicornis is commonly called the box-headed blood bee. It is a Palearctic sweat bee in the family Halictidae.
Does the box-headed blood bee collect pollen for its own young?
No, females are cleptoparasitic and do not gather pollen for their own brood. Instead, they enter the nests of other bees and lay eggs there.
How does Sphecodes monilicornis reproduce?
A female enters a host bee's nest and lays an egg, relying on the host's stored provisions. The host female has already gathered and provisioned the nest, so the Sphecodes offspring exploit that work.
What kind of bee is Sphecodes monilicornis?
It is a sweat bee belonging to Halictidae and occurs across the Palearctic region. Its blood-bee common name refers to the Sphecodes group, many of which have dark red or black coloration and a parasitic nesting life.
explore Explore More
Similar to Cuckoo Sweat Bee (Sphecodes monilicornis)
compare_arrows Compare: Variable Cuckoo Bumblebee (B... See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
