Comparative Notes on the Biology and Development of Epeolus compactus Cresson, a Cleptoparasite of Colletes kincaidii Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae, Colletidae)

The Nesting Biology of Colletes kincaidii Cockerell (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) and Development of Its Immature Forms

“…Eggs and larvae of the parasite \"ere recovered from host cells during field exca-"ations, and those specimens were subsequently reared in the laboratory. Those observations have been reported elsewhere (Torchio & Burdick 1988).…”

“…The discovery that some individuals in one population of C. kincaidii established nests in preexisting cavities and others excavated nests directly into case-hardened sandstone was one of the more interesting observations made during the 1985 study. We also learned that the rate of parasitism by Epeolus was four times higher in nonexcavated host cell series constructed within residual cell linings compared with cell series constructed in freshly excavated burrows (Torchio .& Burdick 1988). These results prompted us to ask whether female progeny from cell series constructed in preexisting cavities and from excavated nests inherit the same nest choice habits expressed by their female parents.…”

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“…Where the egg is laid depends on the host and type of nest constructed. Torchio and Burdick (1988) 8 by E. compactus Cresson. Its host species, C. kincaidii Cockerell, may reuse abandoned nests.…”

“…The spinose setae of Triepeolus seem to be for digging holes in the soil walls of host cells (Torchio 1986) and/or may have a tactile function (Rightmyer 2004). In Epeolus, tooth-like setae on the lateral processes and the rigid attachment of these processes to the disc of the sternum indicate a sawlike function necessary for breaking through the tough polyester lining that separates brood cells and coats the cell walls of its host nest (Torchio and Burdick 1988). In at least one species of Epeolus, this process is aided by a glandular secretion that dissolves the polyester lining of the host nest on contact, and later resolidifies to close the gap (Torchio and Burdick 1988).…”

“…Torchio and Burdick (1988) found overall rates of nest parasitism of C. kincaidii by E. compactus to be as high as nearly 18%. If the nest was newly founded by the female Colletes host (and only a single polyester layer separates the cell from bare ground), E. compactus instead attaches its eggs to the caps of completed cells separating the brood cells (Torchio and Burdick 1988). Although the egg is exposed within the already completed cell, the larva hatches into the cell that was incomplete when the parent Epeolus oviposited.…”