Chapter 6. Hymenoptera 6: Apoidea: Halictidae-Apidae. Pages 341-342. In: Curtis P. Clausen. 1940. Entomophagous Insects. McGraw-Hill Publishers, New York, 688 pages.

Keywords: Insect pest control, natural biological control, classical biological control, parasitoids, predators.

Apoidea. The superfamily Apoidea is a major group within the Hymenoptera, which includes two traditionally recognized lineages, the "sphecoid" wasps, and the bees.

Halictidae. They are commonly referred to as "sweat bees" (especially the smaller species), as they are often attracted to perspiration and do not sting. Halictidae is the second-largest family of Apoidea bees. Halictid species occur all over the world and are usually dark-colored and often metallic in appearance. It is the only group in this family. The only group in this family that is known to live at the expense of other insects is the genus Sphecodes, which appropriates the nests of bees of the genus Halictus and of some Andrenidae. The burrow of Halictus malachurus is always guarded. It is necessary for the Sphecodes intruder to kill the defender before taking possession of the nest, and the body of the latter is ejected from the burrow.

Nomadidae. The members of this family are largely inquilines in the nests of various solitary bees. Triepoelus helianthin is an inquiline in the nests of Melissodes trinodis. The egg of Troepoelus is apparently deposited in the food material. The first instar larva is in general appearance like that of Coelioxys and its habits are similar. The abdominal segments bear a flat triangular projection at each lateral margin. The very large falcate mandibles are stated to be for use against larvae of their own kind rather than against that of the host bee.

Hylaeidae. This is a small family of primitive bees that make their nests in stems of plants, in burrows in the soil, or in various holes and crevices. Several members of the principal genus Hylaeus have been observed to live at the expense of other of the family, though the exact relationships have not been determined.

Stelidae. Stelis nasuta, Stelis minuta, Stelis sexmaculata.

Megachilidae. leaf-cutting bees, Coelioxys rufitarsis is a predator of megachilids, Megachile spp.

Apidae. Psithyrus, Psithyrus preys on bumblebees.