description Coelioxys elongata Overview
Coelioxys elongata is a species of solitary cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, also called a sharp-tailed bee. Females have a distinctly pointed abdomen, and the species is a cleptoparasite of leafcutter bees in the genus Megachile, including M. willughbiella and M. circumcincta.
Instead of provisioning its own brood cells, the female places an egg in a host nest, where the developing larva uses the host's stored food.
help Coelioxys elongata FAQ
What is Coelioxys elongata?
Coelioxys elongata is a solitary cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. It is also called a sharp-tailed bee because females have a distinctly pointed abdomen.
Why is Coelioxys elongata called a cuckoo bee?
It is a cleptoparasite, meaning it uses the nests and food provisions made by other bees rather than provisioning a nest in the usual way. Recorded hosts include leafcutter bees in the genus Megachile.
Which bees host Coelioxys elongata?
Its known host relationship includes Megachile willughbiella and other Megachile leafcutter bees. The female places her egg in the host nest, where the developing larva uses the stored provisions.
How can you recognize a female Coelioxys elongata?
A female has a noticeably pointed abdomen, which gives the species its sharp-tailed description. It is a solitary bee, not a honey-bee worker living in a colony.
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