About South American Cuckoo Bee
A large metallic blue-green cleptoparasitic orchid bee that lays its eggs in the nests of other orchid bees. Its mandibles are strong enough to break into sealed brood cells.
Did You Know?
Its larvae first consume the host's food stores, then devour the host bee larva itself before pupating in the stolen nest cell.
How to Identify South American Cuckoo Bee
South American Cuckoo Bee (Exaerete frontalis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Apidae. Adults typically measure 22-28 mm.
South American Cuckoo Bee Habitat
South American Cuckoo Bee is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
South American Cuckoo Bee Diet and Feeding
South American Cuckoo Bee is a parasitic species that feeds on or within a host organism. Parasitic insects have evolved specialised adaptations to exploit their hosts while avoiding detection.
Where Is South American Cuckoo Bee Found?
South American Cuckoo Bee can be found in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where South American Cuckoo Bee can be found
Is South American Cuckoo Bee Dangerous?
South American Cuckoo Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
South American Cuckoo Bee Role in Nature
South American Cuckoo Bee plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like South American Cuckoo Bee are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About South American Cuckoo Bee
What does South American Cuckoo Bee look like?
The South American Cuckoo Bee typically measures 22-28 mm.
Where is South American Cuckoo Bee found?
The South American Cuckoo Bee is found in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does South American Cuckoo Bee eat?
The South American Cuckoo Bee is a parasite that feeds on a host organism.
Is South American Cuckoo Bee dangerous to humans?
The South American Cuckoo Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
Is South American Cuckoo Bee endangered?
The South American Cuckoo Bee is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about South American Cuckoo Bee?
Its larvae first consume the host's food stores, then devour the host bee larva itself before pupating in the stolen nest cell.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). South American Cuckoo Bee (Exaerete frontalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/south-american-cuckoo-bee
MLA:
"South American Cuckoo Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/south-american-cuckoo-bee.