Nomada ferruginata

This Nomad bee has a red abdomen with yellow flashes at the sides. It has dull yellow legs with dark femora. It lacks stripes on the thorax and has a pair of bright yellow tubercles on the pronotum near to the wing bases.  These tubercles and the entirely black antennal scapes (first segments) separate them from other Nomad bees with reddish abdomens

Nomada ferruginata is similar to N. striata but it can be distinguished by the brighter yellow pronotal tubercles and lighter antennae. N. ferruginata also lacks the red marks on the mesonotum which are usually obvious on N. striata.

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings.  Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used.  We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’).

Low vegetation around dry soils where its host bee nests.

Mainly during March and April - to coincide with the breeding of its host bee Andrena praecox.

As with all Nomada bees, it is parasitic on solitary bees, usualy Andrena species. The host species of N. ferruginata is Andrena praecox. A.praecox is a rather uncommon mining bee and normally found in areas containing sufficient Willows as females are very dependent on Willow catkins for pollen in March and April.

Rare in England but may be increasing.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland.