In Minnesota, there are nine described species within the genus Epeolus. Bees in this genus are cleptoparasites (cuckoo bees) of ground-nesting bees in the genus Colletes. Epeolus are relatively hairless wasp-like bees that forage on flowers with their wings held outward at a 45° angle. Like all cuckoo bees, the females lack pollen-collecting structures. When not visiting flowers in their host's habitat, females can be observed searching for or monitoring the nests of their host. 

Epeolus are typically black and have either cream or white markings combined with rusty-red or maroon markings. They closely resemble bees in the genus Triepeolus but are generally smaller, ranging in length from 5.5 to 11mm (0.2 to 0.4 inches). Note: it is difficult to tell these two genera (Epeolus and Triepeolus) apart from photographs or observations.