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Nomada ruficornis species group
Nomada Cuckoo bees resemble wasps more than bees. They are cleptoparasites of bees, primarily Andrena, but also Agapostemon and Eucera. Once the host leaves the nest, the cuckoo bee will enter the nest and lay its eggs into the provisioned cells. Once the larva hatches, it will consume the host's provisioned pollen & will kill and eat the host's larva.
Worldwide. In areas of other nesting bees. Adults nectar on flowers.
These cuckoo bees have been patrolling the garden ground for days now. I finally got an opportunity to witness one taking over an Andrena nest. She sat for a long time, very patiently, waiting for the Andrena bee to exit her nest. (image 2 & 3). For an intermission, this slug came over to check things out (image 4). Once the Andrena bee exited, the cuckoo bee immediately flew into the nest and was there for about 5 minutes laying her eggs. (image 5 & 6... these photos are not very clear, she was in & out of the entrance very quickly).
13 Comments
Thank you Bud, Mayra & Kuheli!
superb
Great macro!
What can I say, Just a perfect spotting.
Thanks so much everyone for the nice comments!
great series and great captures, great notes. Fantastic
Great series of photos and notes! Glad to be following you now!
Very nice wonderful series!
Fascinating!
Thanks asergio!
What a great spotting!
Thanks Cindy! This was so interesting to watch - The cruel reality of nature...
Awesome series! I love the detail on the bees pics of the nest.