Nomada flava

Nomada species are cuckoo bees, laying their eggs in the nests of other species - usually Andrena bees.

Wing length: 7.5-10mm. N. flava has a yellow abdomen crossed by broad black stripes and with red patches at the front end. Females have red stripes on the thorax and two prominent red tubercles. In males the thorax is all black but with orangy hairs. The legs and antennae are orange-red.

N.panzeri occasionally shows the same abdomen pattern. To be certain of distinguishing them, it is necessary to key a specimen with a binocular microscope.

Males and females are different and need to be keyed separately.

Male

• hairs on the underside of the middle femora are approx. half as long as the max femora width
• mandibles have pointed tips
• thorax is all black with pale orange/brown hairs (occasionally there may be a pair of red spots)
• yellow on the lower face extends at least half way up the eye margins
• antennae pale red below (front facing when raised) and dark above

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’).

Hedgerows.

April to June.

Parasitises nest of several Andrena species. Like all bees, the adults feed on pollen and nectar.

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.