Common Bee Wasp - Nomada ruficornis

Wing length: 6.5-8mm. As with many bees, males and females are quite different, but both have a mixture of yellow, black and red on the abdomen. It is best identified by its bifid mandibles - a feature only shared with N. fabriciana which is darker and mostly red.

Can be similar to N. panzeri and N. flava but distinguished by its bifid mandible.

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’).

Meadows and hedgerows.

April to June.

Nomada bees parasitise mining bees by laying its eggs in their burrows. The larvae eat those of the host bee. This species targets Andrena haemorrhoa.

Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain, with most records coming from England.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.