[2] The female Stylops melittae gives birth to a large number of motile primary larvae, that are strewn upon blossoms.

Stylops-parasitized female sand bees are sterile and express themselves in behavior and appearance rather like their male counterparts of the species.

The pollen gathering apparatus is reduced, the abdomen is flatter, and also the coloration is reminiscent of male individuals.

The earlier flight of the infested females gives the parasite more time for the development of the primary larvae.

The less often infested male sand bees are by their appearance less affected, but are rather reminiscent of the female animals.