Nomia tetrazonata

Cockerell, 1910

four-banded nomia, four-banded nomium

Nomia tetrazonata is a ground-nesting sweat bee in the Halictidae, commonly known as the four-banded nomia. The exhibits communal nesting , with multiple females sharing a common nest entrance while independently constructing and provisioning individual within the same burrow system. Males patrol nesting sites and perform stereotyped involving leg movements and contact. The species occurs in North and Central America.

Nomia tetrazonata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nomia tetrazonata: /ˈnoʊ.mi.ə ˌtɛt.rə.zoʊˈneɪ.tə/

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Identification

The epithet 'tetrazonata' (four-banded) likely refers to distinct pale bands on the , though specific diagnostic features for field identification are not detailed in available sources. Distinguished from by combination of communal nesting and geographic distribution.

Images

Habitat

Soil-nesting; constructs burrows in ground. Nesting sites are patrolled by males for mate searching.

Distribution

North America and Central America. Two recognized: Nomia tetrazonata tetrazonata (Cockerell, 1910) and Nomia tetrazonata uvaldensis (Cockerell, 1930).

Behavior

Communal nesting: multiple females share common nest entrance but maintain independent provisioning. Males patrol nesting sites to locate females; courtship involves stereotyped leg movements and contact between male and female; copulation occurs at nesting sites.

Similar Taxa

Nomia melanderiBoth are ground-nesting halictids in Nomia; N. melanderi is intensively managed for alfalfa pollination and differs in being solitary rather than communal, with distinct nest architecture (volcano-like tumuli)
Dieunomia heteropodaCongeneric in Nomiinae with similar male patrolling at nesting sites; differs in -level classification and specific characteristics

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Nomia tetrazonata tetrazonata Cockerell, 1910 and Nomia tetrazonata uvaldensis Cockerell, 1930.