Macropis Cuckoo Bee vs Blood Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Macropis Cuckoo Bee | Blood Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epeoloides coecutiens | Sphecodes monilicornis |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Melittidae | Halictidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 7-9 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe, Eastern North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Macropis Cuckoo Bee
A rare cleptoparasitic bee that targets nests of Macropis oil-collecting bees. It was once thought extinct in North America before being rediscovered in Nova Scotia in 2002.
Did You Know?
Its dramatic rediscovery in North America after decades of presumed extinction made international conservation news.
Blood Bee
A cleptoparasitic bee with a bright red abdomen and black head that attacks the nests of furrow bees. Females enter host nests to lay eggs that hatch and consume the host provisions.
Did You Know?
Its blood-red abdomen is the source of its common name and makes it look more like a ruby-colored ant than a bee.