[1] The generic and specific names derive from Meloe + Greek τῠφλός (tuphlós) for blind, and Latin fusco for dusky.

The life cycle of M. fuscatus begins when an adult female oviposits in an empty cell of its host's nest.

The triungulins hatch within 20 day after oviposition and immediately set off looking for a provisioned bee nest to parasitize.

After the triungulin pupates, it uses its strongly modified forelegs and mandibles to dig out of the sealed cell and look for a mate.

Adult M. fuscatus do not feed, and the fecundity of females is determined by the amount of nutrition consumed as an immature.