Nomada texana

Cresson, 1872

Texas Nomad Bee

Nomada texana, commonly known as the Texas Nomad Bee, is a of cuckoo bee in the Apidae. It is native to the southern and western United States and Mexico. As a kleptoparasite, it does not build its own nest or collect pollen, instead laying in the nests of species. Males measure 7.5–8.0 mm and females 8–9 mm. The species exhibits the black and yellow coloration typical of the , with reddish legs.

Nomada texana by (c) Catherine C. Galley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Catherine C. Galley. Used under a CC-BY license.Nomada texana male1 by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory. Used under a Public domain license.Nomada texana, male, face 2012-08-09-17.08.11 ZS PMax (7823127362) by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Identification

The Texas Nomad Bee can be distinguished from similar Nomada by its specific pattern of yellow markings on a black background, combined with reddish legs and size range. Accurate identification to species level typically requires examination of microscopic features such as facial markings, punctation , and male genitalia. It may be confused with other Nomada species in the same geographic region, particularly those with similar black-and-yellow coloration.

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Appearance

Small to medium-sized with predominantly black and yellow markings. Males measure 7.5–8.0 mm in length, females 8–9 mm. Legs are reddish in color. Like other Nomada , the body is relatively hairless compared to pollen-collecting bees, with short, sparse hairs forming patterns.

Distribution

Native to the southern and western United States and Mexico. Records indicate presence in Middle America.

Behavior

As a cuckoo bee (kleptoparasite), females lay in the nests of rather than constructing their own nests or provisioning with pollen. The larva consumes the host's egg or larva and then feeds on the pollen stores collected by the host female.

Ecological Role

Acts as a of other , potentially influencing . As with other Nomada species, it may serve as an indicator of healthy host bee .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Nomada speciesShare similar black-and-yellow coloration, kleptoparasitic lifestyle, and general body form. Distinguishable by specific marking patterns, size, and microscopic characters.
  • Epeolus speciesAnother of cuckoo bees with similar kleptoparasitic and -like appearance. Epeolus typically have more extensive pale or white banding patterns and different associations.

More Details

Taxonomic authority

First described by Ezra Townsend Cresson in 1872.

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Sources and further reading