Macropis Cuckoo Bee vs Locust Borer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Macropis Cuckoo Bee Locust Borer
Scientific Name Epeoloides coecutiens Megacyllene robiniae
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Melittidae Cerambycidae
Size 7-10 mm 14-22 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasites Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe, Eastern North America Eastern and Central North America
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.

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Did You Know?

Its dramatic rediscovery in North America after decades of presumed extinction made international conservation news.

Locust Borer

A striking yellow-and-black wasp mimic that attacks black locust trees in North America. Adults appear in autumn and are commonly found on goldenrod flowers. Larval boring weakens locust trunks and can cause breakage.

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Did You Know?

Adults synchronize their emergence with goldenrod bloom, making autumn fields their primary mating arenas.