Common Bee Wasp
Nomada ruficornis
This record describes Nomada ruficornis (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings. Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used. We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’). 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.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Apidae
- Genus
- Nomada
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nomada bees parasitise mining bees by laying its eggs in their burrows. The larvae eat those of the host bee. This species targets
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in Britain, with most records coming from England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nomada ruficornis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Common Bee Wasp (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Bee Wasp
What is Common Bee Wasp?
Common Bee Wasp (Nomada ruficornis) is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Common Bee Wasp?
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
Where is Common Bee Wasp found?
Habitat: Meadows and hedgerows.
When is Common Bee Wasp active?
Common Bee Wasp: seasonal activity - April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Common Bee Wasp?
Nomada bees parasitise mining bees by laying its eggs in their burrows. The larvae eat those of the host bee. This species targets