SPECIES: nitidulus; COMMON NAME: Neon Cuckoo Bee
This is a black bee with metallic blue spots on the back and sides. They are called cuckoo bees as they lay their eggs in the burrows of other bees.
A relative of the Cuckoo bee is the Thyreus caeruleopunctatus. It has light blue patches on the back and sides. Otherwise its description is the same as for the Thyreus nitidulus.
I do quite often see solitary little blue bees in our garden and now wonder if it is one of the above.
Great post Mimsie! I enjoyed learning about this little beetle. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Denise....he's a handsome little chap/girl.
DeleteSorry, I meant to say Bee :)
ReplyDeleteDon't apologise....I knew what you intended.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWhat a little gem!! Don't recall seeing these, though of course lots of different ones at other times and places... YAM xx
They are very tiny but we often spot them in our garden. Very pretty. xx
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen this stunner (or its close cousin). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThey are really tiny EC but we see one or two in our garden from time to time and you are very welcome.
DeleteWow they are pretty. Hug B
ReplyDeleteReal little cuties aren't they? x
DeleteI've never seen a blue bee, I'll have to keep my eyes open next spring.
ReplyDelete