Spotted Nomad Bee

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nomada maculata: /nɔˈmaː.da ma.kuˈlaː.ta/

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Summary

Nomada maculata, the Spotted Nomad Bee, is a kleptoparasitic bee known for its distinctive black body with yellow spots. It primarily parasitizes ground-nesting bees, notably the genus Andrena, laying its eggs in their nests and relying on host provisions for its larvae. They have an unusual life cycle and mating behavior adapted to their parasitic lifestyle.

Physical Characteristics

Male with mostly black thorax and head; extensive yellow spots on distal terga. Males have an obvious, often notched pygidial plate. Adults are known for being extraordinarily wasp-like, exhibiting red, black, and yellow colors with smoky wings.

Identification Tips

Males are identified by their black thorax and head, while females lack a scopa, have reduced body hair, and thick exoskeleton. Separation from other Nomadinae can be challenging, best distinguished by wing venation and the nature of the silvery setae patch on female metasoma.

Habitat

Nomada bees occur in habitats where ground-nesting bees live, typically in soil, either in open areas or vegetated zones, with nearby floral sources.

Distribution

Nomada bees are found worldwide, but specific distributions depend on their host species and related habitats.

Diet

Nomada bees do not collect pollen, feeding mainly on nectar from flowers they visit. They are considered poor pollinators due to the lack of pollen-carrying scopa.

Life Cycle

Nomada bees undergo a holometabolous life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Females lay 1-2 eggs in host cells, and larvae kill other larvae and feed on stored provisions before emerging as adults the following season.

Reproduction

Female Nomada lay eggs in the cells of ground-nesting bees, typically before the host bees' oviposition. The larvae act as brood parasites, consuming the host's provisions and offspring.

Ecosystem Role

Nomada bees play a role as kleptoparasites, affecting the population dynamics of their host species and influencing the behavior of other bee species through their parasitic actions.

Evolution

Nomada bees are part of a large genus within the family Apidae, known as cuckoo bees due to their parasitic lifestyle. Their evolutionary strategy involves mimicking host scents and behaviors to successfully exploit their nests.

Similar Taxa

• Andrena
• Agapostemon
• Melitta
• Eucera
• Exomalopsis

Misconceptions

Nomada bees may be confused with typical pollinating bees, but unlike non-parasitic bees, they do not collect pollen and are poor pollinators. They are often mistaken for wasps due to their appearance.

Tags

• bee
• Nomada
• kleptoparasite
• pollination
• insect
• Apidae