Nomada leucophthalma

This is a large cuckoo bee (12 mm) with dark red, orange-tipped antennae (instead of just orange in the case of Nomada flava) and dark legs. It has a yellow and black striped abdomen with a red band at the front. It also has a thick pile of orange hair on the mesonotum.

It is similar to N. flava and others, but the dark antenna and legs plus the early flying season help to distinguish N. leucophthalma.

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and many cannot be identified from photos taken in the field.  All records of red-rated species should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’).  The notes should state the size, whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters.  Although we can't guarantee to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future.   Alternatively, records can be accepted if identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ facebook . If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person (and the organisation where relevant) in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS facebook’).

It favours hedgerows and meadows, where it searches for the nest holes of Andrena clarkella in which to lay its eggs, and feeds on nectar from flowers such as Colt's-foot.

The adult is on the wing early in the year - from March to May.

It is a parasite of the small bee Andrena clarkella.

Fairly frequent and widespread in southern Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.