Coelioxys sodalis
Coelioxys sodalis is a bee from the family Megachilidae, one of numerous kleptoparasitic bees in the tribe Megachilini. Members of the genus Coelioxys exhibit kleptoparasitic behavior in that they lay their eggs in the nests of other bees, typically those of the related genus Megachile. As this behavior is similar to that of cuckoos, such bees are referred to as cuckoo bees. These host-parasite relationships are complex. Host insects of the brood parasite C. sodalis include Megachile melanophaea, M. texana, and M. rotundata.
Taxonomy and naming
The species was originally described in the Transactions of the American Entomological Society by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1878.Range and distribution
Coelioxys sodalis are distributed across the northern portions of the North American continent from Alaska and British Columbia and Northwest Territory eastward across to Nova Scotia and the New England states, according to Mitchell. The range extends south through to high altitude regions in Arizona, according to Baker. They are most active spring through early fall. They are reportedly active as early as April 17 in Arizona and as late as September 8 in Alberta. Their habitat is primarily woodland. They have been collected in coniferous forests, as well as in deciduous forests inland and along the coast. In the lower latitudes of the range, they tend towards predominantly pine forests. Canadian specimens have been collected from the ecotone between the tundra and coniferous forest. They have also been observed in more xeric environments including sagebrush steppes.They are recorded to have been found on flowers of genera Rhodora and Rubus.