Blunthorn Nomad Bee
Nomada flavopicta
This record describes Nomada flavopicta (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8-11mm. This a medium sized black and yellow Nomad Bee. The abdomen has yellow markings almost merging on T1, then widely separated on T2 and T3. There are two yellow marks on the scutellum, and the tegulae, pronotal turbercles and collar are also yellow. The antennae are almost completely black. The lower face is yellow in the male and orange in the female. The legs are mostly orange with some darkening of the femora in males. Flower rich grassland where the host bee species are found. A cleptoparasite of Blunthorn Bees ( Melitta species). Note that Melitta species have not been recorded in VC55, however the record of Nomada flavopicta suggests that they are present and should be watched for. Found across England and Wales as far north as Yorkshire. It is scarce in most areas apart from strongholds like the North and South downs. No additional images available for this species.
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
Flower rich grassland where the host bee species are found.
Seasonal Activity
Late June to mid Spetember.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A cleptoparasite of Blunthorn Bees (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found across England and Wales as far north as Yorkshire. It is scarce in most areas apart from strongholds like the North and South downs.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nomada flavopicta. 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 Blunthorn Nomad Bee (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blunthorn Nomad Bee
What is Blunthorn Nomad Bee?
Blunthorn Nomad Bee (Nomada flavopicta) is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Blunthorn Nomad Bee?
8-11mm. This a medium sized black and yellow Nomad Bee. The abdomen has yellow markings almost merging on T1, then widely separated on T2 and T3. There are two yellow marks on the scutellum, and the tegulae, pronotal turbercles and collar are also yellow. The antennae are almost completely black. The lower face is yellow in the male and orange in the female. The legs are mostly orange with some darkening of the femora in males.
Where is Blunthorn Nomad Bee found?
Habitat: Flower rich grassland where the host bee species are found.
When is Blunthorn Nomad Bee active?
Blunthorn Nomad Bee: seasonal activity - Late June to mid Spetember..
What is the life cycle of a Blunthorn Nomad Bee?
A cleptoparasite of Blunthorn Bees (