Nomada bethunei
This record describes Nomada bethunei (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Types: Holotype male by Cockerell, 1903; #2174 and #13159. Locality: Canada (from Baker collection). In U.S. National Museum, Smithsonian - photos. Holotype female as Nomada (Xanthidium) pseudops by Cockerell, 1905 #0000107. Locality: Wisconsin by Graenicher Jun 8, 1903. In University of Colorado Museum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Nomadinae
- Tribe
- Nomadini
- Genus
- Nomada (Nomad Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forest edges and meadows.
Geographic Range
Virginia north to Massachusetts, west to Ontario and Kansas.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to early June in north.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are parasites of Mining Bees Andrena species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nomada bethunei. 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 Nomada bethunei (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , lee_penner , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Nomada bethunei
What is Nomada bethunei?
Nomada bethunei is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Nomada bethunei?
9 to 10 mm.
Where is Nomada bethunei found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forest edges and meadows. |
| Range | Virginia north to Massachusetts, west to Ontario and Kansas. |
What does Nomada bethunei eat?
The diet of the Nomada bethunei includes Adults feed on nectar and pollen. Larvae are parasites of Mining Bees Andrena species..
When is Nomada bethunei active?
Nomada bethunei: seasonal activity - Late May to early June in north..