- Family: Megachilidae
- Approximate # species in region: 17
- Common name: sharptail bees
Coelioxys are nest parasites of Megachile and, like their hosts, can be found in a variety of fairly open habitats from late spring through fall. Some of the dozen or so species found in our area are common garden bees, while a few are exceedingly rare. Female Coelioxys use their pointed abdomens to slice open the brood cells of their host in order to lay an egg inside.
Coelioxys bear a general resemblance to Megachile, but are easily identified by the spines on the rear end of the thorax and their conical abdomen that either tapers to a point (in females) or is tipped with spines (in males).
Regional Species List:
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Phenology | Hosts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coelioxys alternatus | NA | Jul-Sep | Megachile pugnata |
| Coelioxys banksi | NA | Aug-Oct | Megachile relativa |
| Coelioxys coturnix | NA | Jun-Sep | Megachile rotundata |
| Coelioxys dolichos | NA | Jun-Oct | Megachile xylocopoides |
| Coelioxys funerarius | NA | Jun-Aug | Megachile inermis (large form), M. relativa (small form) |
| Coelioxys galactiae | NA | May-Aug | Megachile |
| Coelioxys germanus | NA | Jul-Sep | Megachile petulans |
| Coelioxys hunteri | NA | Jul-Sep | Megachile |
| Coelioxys immaculatus | NA | May-Jul | Megachile addenda |
| Coelioxys modestus | NA | Jun-Oct | Megachile campanulae, M. exilis, M. georgica |
| Coelioxys moestus | NA | Jun-Aug | Megachile relativa |
| Coelioxys obtusiventris | NA | Jul-Aug | Megachile |
| Coelioxys octodentatus | NA | Jun-Oct | Megachile texana, M. mendica |
| Coelioxys porterae | NA | May-Aug | Megachile frigida |
| Coelioxys rufitarsis | NA | Jun-Oct | Megachile latimanus |
| Coelioxys sayi | NA | Jun-Oct | Megachile mendica |
| Coelioxys sodalis | NA | May-Jul | Megachile melanophaea, M. mucida |