She looks like a bee. She buzzes like a bee. But surprise! She doesn’t make her own nest. Meet the cuckoo bee, nature’s ultimate freeloader.
What is a Cuckoo Bee?
Cuckoo bees belong to various genera, including Nomada and Epeolus. They’ve evolved to lay their eggs in other bees’ nests, just like the cuckoo bird does. When the cuckoo bee larva hatches, it eats the host’s pollen stores and sometimes the host larva, too. 😬
Fun Fact: Disguised as a Friend
Some cuckoo bees even mimic the color and scent of the host bees, slipping past the guards undetected. It’s espionage at its finest.
Where to Spot Them
Look for them around active bee nesting areas in spring and summer. They often resemble wasps with slimmer bodies and less fuzz than typical bees.
Why They’re Cool
Cuckoo bees are a fascinating look at evolutionary strategy. Rather than build their own homes, they’ve mastered the art of sneakiness, saving energy while still reproducing successfully.