Dark Bees

Description

Bees in the Genus Stelis are called Dark Bees, and are cuckoo bees: they parasitize a variety of bees (including Colletes), but mostly those in subfamily Megachilinae (largest subfamily in Megachilidae). Stelis seen on the mountain are usually metallic black to blue-green or, in the case of the Wide-striped Painted Dark Bee (Stelis laticincta - above middle), yellow and black. Stelis often have incomplete pale transverse markings and are lightly haired. Females lack scopae on legs or underside. Presence of 2 spines on the middle tibia is distinctive. Blue-colored Stelis can look like Osmia, but have larger tegulae.