Fabricius' Nomad Bee - Nomada fabriciana

Females can be identified by their reddish antennae with several of the intermediate segments being black. This banded appearance is visible in the field. Both sexes have a reddish abdomen, often having small yellow spots. It also has bidentate mandibles.  The combination of bifid mandibles and black labrum is unique in Nomada species.

Several other Nomada species have reddish abdomens

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’).

To be expected wherever its host species Andrena bicolor are well established.

Bivoltine, from March to June, and June to August.

Nomada fabriciana is a cleptoparasite of Andrena bicolor.

Widely distributed in England and Wales (especially so in the south), sporadic in Scotland and Ireland.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.