Nomada bella

Cresson, 1863

Belle Nomad Bee

Nomada bella is a cuckoo bee in the Apidae, first described by Cresson in 1863. As a kleptoparasite, females lay in the nests of species rather than constructing their own nests or collecting pollen. The species occurs in North America, with documented records from Vermont and other regions. Like other members of the Nomada, it exhibits the characteristic -like appearance of cuckoo bees, lacking the dense branched hairs used for pollen collection that are typical of non-parasitic bees.

Nomada (Gnathias) bella callura by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Nomada (Gnathias) bella callura by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Nomada (Gnathias) bella callura by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nomada bella: //nɔˈma.da ˈbɛl.la//

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Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from Vermont, United States. GBIF distribution records indicate presence in North America broadly.

Ecological Role

Kleptoparasite of other . As a cuckoo bee, it contributes to of bee species and may influence nest site availability in bee .

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Sources and further reading