Epeolus | |
---|---|
Epeolus australis | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Family: | Apidae |
Tribe: | Epeolini |
Genus: | Epeolus Latreille, 1802 |
Type species | |
Epeolus variegatus | |
Species | |
see text |
Epeolus is a genus of cuckoo bees in the family Apidae.[1] They are often known as variegated cuckoo-bees.[citation needed] The species is uncommon to rare,[2] and has strong patterns of black and white on the thorax and abdomen.[2] These patterns are made of tiny fat hairs lying flush with the integument or "skin" of the bee.[2] It is easily mistaken for Triepeolus, but is almost always smaller.[2]