description Coelioxys inermis Overview
Coelioxys inermis is a species of cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae, originally described by William Kirby in 1802. Like other members of Coelioxys, it does not construct and provision its own nest; the female lays eggs in the nests of other solitary bees, and the developing larva consumes the stored pollen provisions. It is a Palearctic species of interest to entomologists studying bee diversity, host relationships, and brood parasitism.
help Coelioxys inermis FAQ
What kind of bee is Coelioxys inermis?
Coelioxys inermis is a cuckoo bee in the family Megachilidae. It was originally described by William Kirby in 1802.
How does Coelioxys inermis use other bees' nests?
The female does not build and provision her own nest. Instead, she lays an egg in the nest of another solitary bee, where the developing larva uses resources gathered by the host.
Why are Coelioxys bees called cuckoo bees?
They are called cuckoo bees because they use the nests and food provisions of other bees. This behavior is a form of brood parasitism rather than cooperative nesting.
Does Coelioxys inermis pollinate flowers like other bees?
Adults may visit flowers for nectar, but reproduction depends on parasitizing solitary-bee nests. The species' defining ecological feature is its nest-invading life cycle.
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