Small Nomad Bee - Nomada flavoguttata

This is one of the smallest species of Nomada. A small reddish nomad usually with small yellow spots on the sides of tergite 2 and 3. Females have extensive red markings on the head (usually surrounding the eyes), and the sides of the thorax, plus a pair of large red scutellar spots and red longitudinal stripes above the wing bases and usually a pair down the middle of the scutum. The labrum is usually dark and the hind face of the propodeum has patches of silvery hairs on each side. Males resemble females but have a darker head and thorax and the antennal scape is usually entirely black.

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’).

Generally distributed, occurring wherever its several host species are present.

Depending on the flight periods of its host species, it can be either univoltine or bivoltine. It can be found from the end of March.

The species is a cleptoparasite of certain Andrena species in the subgenus Micrandrena. Those recorded are Andrena alfkenella Perkins, Andrena falsifica Perkins, Andrena minutula (Kirby), Andrena semilaevis Pérez and Andrena subopaca Nylander.

Fairly frequent and widely distributed throughout Britain.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.