description Sphecodes monilicornis Overview
Sphecodes monilicornis is a species of blood bee in the family Halictidae. It is a solitary-bee cleptoparasite, meaning that a female uses the nest of another bee instead of collecting pollen to provision a nest of her own. The species is associated with European and Asian bee fauna and is recognized by the dark body contrasted with reddish abdominal segments, a pattern common in the genus Sphecodes. It is of interest primarily to entomologists and observers of wild bees.
help Sphecodes monilicornis FAQ
What is a blood bee like Sphecodes monilicornis?
Blood bees take their name from the red abdomen common in the genus Sphecodes, which is in the sweat bee family Halictidae. Sphecodes monilicornis is a solitary species rather than a colony-forming bee.
What does Sphecodes monilicornis parasitize?
It is a cleptoparasite: instead of gathering pollen for its own nest, the female lays her eggs in the nests of other ground-nesting bees, reportedly smaller sweat bees such as Lasioglossum species. Its larva consumes the host's provisions.
Where is Sphecodes monilicornis found?
It occurs across Europe and into parts of Asia, in the sandy, open habitats where its sweat bee hosts nest. In Britain it is known mainly from southern England.
Are blood bees dangerous to people?
Females can sting, but as solitary bees with no colony to defend they are not aggressive and pose little risk to humans. Like most solitary bees, they are best observed and left alone.
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