Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia
(Cockerell, 1910)
Nevada nomia
Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae, originally described by Cockerell in 1910 as a form of Nomia nevadensis. It belongs to a of ground-nesting bees found in arid and semi-arid regions of North America. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the widespread D. nevadensis .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dieunomia nevadensis angelesia: //daɪˈjuːˌnoʊmiə nəˌvæˈdɛnsɪs ænˈɡɛliʒə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguishable from other Dieunomia by its larger size relative to many halictids and association with specific geographic regions in the southwestern United States. Separation from nominate D. nevadensis nevadensis and other requires examination of subtle morphological characters, including potential differences in and coloration patterns on the metasoma.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid environments including desert scrub, grasslands, and open areas with suitable soil substrates for ground nesting.
Distribution
Southwestern United States, specifically in California and adjacent regions; the epithet 'angelesia' suggests an association with the Los Angeles area or greater Southern California region.
Diet
visit flowers for nectar and pollen; the is a forager within its range.
Life Cycle
Ground-nesting solitary or weakly social ; nests excavated in soil with multiple provisioned with pollen and nectar for larval development.
Behavior
Females construct and provision underground nests. Males patrol nesting seeking mates.
Ecological Role
of native flowering plants in arid ; contributes to plant reproductive success in desert and semi-desert .
Human Relevance
Contributes to pollination services in natural and agricultural systems within its range; not known to be aggressive toward humans.
Similar Taxa
- Dieunomia nevadensis nevadensisNominate with potentially overlapping range; distinguished by subtle morphological differences and geographic distribution patterns.
- Dieunomia heteropodaCongeneric with similar ground-nesting and arid preferences; differs in size and specific structural features.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Grasshoppers of Colorado
- Species Records and Accounts
- Rising from the Ashes--Some Day | Bug Squad
- Let’s make a deal! | Beetles In The Bush
- New Study Helps California's Bumble Bees by Identifying Their Favorite Flowers