description Coelioxys conoidea Overview
Coelioxys conoidea is a medium-sized solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly associated with the sharp-tailed or cuckoo bees. It is a kleptoparasite of leafcutter bees, including Megachile species: the female enters a host nest cell and lays an egg, after which the larva consumes provisions gathered for the host’s offspring. The species is recorded in Europe and is especially associated with coastal sandy habitats in parts of its range.
help Coelioxys conoidea FAQ
What is Coelioxys conoidea?
It is a medium-sized solitary bee in the family Megachilidae, commonly grouped with the sharp-tailed or cuckoo bees. It is recorded across Europe, including parts of Britain.
Why is Coelioxys conoidea called a cuckoo bee?
Like the cuckoo bird, it does not build its own nest. The female sneaks into a host bee's nest cell and lays an egg, and her larva destroys the host's egg or larva and feeds on the stored pollen provision.
Which bees does Coelioxys conoidea parasitize?
Its hosts are leafcutter bees of the genus Megachile. Female Coelioxys are typically found loitering around Megachile nest sites, such as hollow stems, holes, and garden bee hotels.
Will Coelioxys conoidea sting people or harm my bee hotel?
Females have a pointed abdominal tip used to cut into host nest cells, but they are not aggressive toward humans. Seeing a few in a bee hotel is simply a normal sign of a healthy local leafcutter bee population.
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