Stelis

  • Family: Megachilidae
  • Tribe: Anthidiini
  • Approximate # species in region: 5
  • Common names: dark bees

Stelis is a genus of megachilid cleptoparasites. They are stocky but elongate, evenly wide down the length of their bodies, and often with relatively sparse hairs. As cleptoparasites, females do not have pollen carrying hairs on their bodies. With the exception of one relatively widespread species, Stelis are generally not often encountered.

Species covered:

Scientific NameCommon NamePhenologyHabitatForage
Stelis louisaeLouisana painted-dark beeSummerWidespread, tied to hostGeneralist, esp. Asteraceae

Species requiring accounts:

  • at present, remaining species are difficult to separate in the field