Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of bee that is parasitic in the nests of bumblebees. It lays its eggs in bumblebee nests, and its larvae are raised by the host bumblebee workers.

Usage

• The term "cuckoo-bumblebee" is used to describe a specific parasitic bee species. It is a compound noun. The name derives from the cuckoo bird's behavior of laying eggs in other birds' nests, drawing a direct analogy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The cuckoo-bumblebee infiltrates the nest to lay its eggs.
  • Researchers are studying the impact of the cuckoo-bumblebee on local bumblebee populations.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Role: In scientific contexts, "cuckoo-bumblebee" is discussed concerning brood parasitism and its effects on host colony dynamics.
  • The life cycle of the cuckoo-bumblebee represents a fascinating example of social parasitism.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuckoo bee (n): A more general term for any bee exhibiting brood parasitic behavior, which includes but is not limited to cuckoo-bumblebees.
• Psithyrus (n): The former genus name for many cuckoo-bumblebee species, now often integrated into the genus .

Synonyms

• Brood parasite (n): A general term for any animal that relies on others to raise its young.
• Social parasite (n): An organism that exploits the social structure of another species.

Notes

• The term is a compound noun. The hyphenated form "cuckoo-bumblebee" is standard. It is important to distinguish this specific parasitic bee from the common bumblebee ().

Noun

1. a bee that is parasitic in the nests of bumblebees