Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis

(Cockerell, 1899)

Arizona Nomia

Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis, known as the Arizona Nomia, is a of sweat bee in the Halictidae. It is a ground-nesting distributed across the southwestern United States and adjacent regions of Mexico. The subspecies was first described by Cockerell in 1899 and is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other members of the Dieunomia, it is a associated with particular plants.

Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis by (c) Wendy McCrady, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wendy McCrady. Used under a CC-BY license.

Dieunomia (Epinomia) 2 by JerryFriedman. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Dieunomia (Epinomia) 1 by JerryFriedman. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dieunomia nevadensis arizonensis: /diːˌjuːˈnoʊmiə nɪˈvædənˌsɪs ɛˌraɪzoʊˈnɛnsɪs/

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Identification

Distinguished from the nominate Dieunomia nevadensis nevadensis by its occurrence in Arizona and adjacent regions rather than the Great Basin area. The subspecies name "arizonensis" reflects this geographic differentiation. As a member of Halictidae, it possesses the -typical characteristics of relatively robust body form and, in females, scopae (pollen-collecting hairs) on the hind legs rather than corbiculae () found in Apidae. Specific diagnostic characters separating this subspecies from other Dieunomia are not documented in the provided sources.

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Habitat

Arid and semi-arid environments of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, including desert and grassland . Ground-nesting habits require suitable soils for burrow excavation.

Distribution

Recorded from Middle America and North America, with confirmed presence in the southwestern United States (particularly Arizona) and Mexico. The subspecific epithet indicates a primary association with Arizona, though the exact range boundaries relative to the nominate are not precisely documented in available sources.

Behavior

Ground-nesting, excavating burrows in soil. As with other Halictidae, females are solitary nesters or may form loose , though specific social for this is not documented.

Ecological Role

, likely with some degree of floral specialization as is characteristic of the Dieunomia. Contributes to pollination services in arid southwestern .

Similar Taxa

Dieunomia nevadensis nevadensisThe nominate , distinguished primarily by geographic range in the Great Basin and interior western North America rather than the Southwest.
Dieunomia heteropodaAnother North American in the same , potentially overlapping in range; specific distinguishing characters require examination of morphological details not provided in sources.

More Details

Taxonomic Status

Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, suggesting possible taxonomic revision or consolidation with the nominate , though GBIF and iNaturalist maintain it as an accepted subspecies. This discrepancy indicates active taxonomic uncertainty.

Genus Characteristics

Dieunomia is a of bees within Halictidae, with often associated with particular pollen . The genus is part of the Nomiinae, which is characterized by specific morphological and behavioral traits including ground-nesting habits.