description Sphecodes gibbus Overview
Sphecodes gibbus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Halictidae and the type species of the genus Sphecodes. It is widely associated with the Palearctic region and is often called a blood bee because females commonly have a reddish abdomen. Rather than provisioning its own nest, the female enters nests of other ground-nesting bees and lays an egg there. The species is recorded with several Halictus hosts, including H.
rubicundus and H. quadricinctus.
help Sphecodes gibbus FAQ
What kind of bee is Sphecodes gibbus?
Sphecodes gibbus is a cleptoparasitic bee in the family Halictidae. It is also the type species of the genus Sphecodes, meaning the genus is formally anchored to this species.
Why is Sphecodes gibbus called a blood bee?
Females commonly have a reddish abdomen, which gives Sphecodes species the common name blood bees. The name refers to their appearance and does not mean that they feed on blood.
Where is Sphecodes gibbus found?
The species is widely associated with the Palearctic region, the broad northern zone covering Europe, much of Asia, and parts of North Africa. Its range is therefore much wider than a single country or habitat.
How does Sphecodes gibbus reproduce?
As a cleptoparasitic bee, it uses the nests and provisions of other bees instead of collecting pollen to raise its own offspring. The female enters a host nest and leaves her larva to use resources gathered by the host.
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