description Sphecodes pellucidus Overview
Sphecodes pellucidus is a Palearctic species of cuckoo bee in the family Halictidae, also known as a blood bee. It is cleptoparasitic: the female enters the nest of another solitary bee, lays an egg in a provisioned cell, and leaves the host's pollen stores for her larva rather than collecting pollen for her own brood. Recorded host associations include bees of the genera Andrena, Lasioglossum, and Halictus, and the species is reported from Europe and other parts of the Palearctic.
help Sphecodes pellucidus FAQ
What is Sphecodes pellucidus commonly called?
Sphecodes pellucidus is a Palearctic cuckoo bee in the family Halictidae. It is also known as a blood bee.
Does Sphecodes pellucidus collect pollen for its own nest?
No. It is cleptoparasitic, so the female enters another solitary bee’s nest and uses the host’s stored pollen for her larva.
How does a female Sphecodes pellucidus use a host nest?
She enters a provisioned cell, lays an egg, and leaves the host’s pollen stores available to her offspring. The larva then develops using food collected by the host bee.
Where does Sphecodes pellucidus occur?
Sphecodes pellucidus is described as a Palearctic species. Its range is therefore associated with temperate parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia where suitable host bees occur.
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