Nomada gracilis
This record describes Nomada gracilis (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Geographic Range
New York and the New England states. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March and April.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Salix
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cresson, 1863
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nomada gracilis. 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 gracilis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , tom murray , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Nomada gracilis
How big is Nomada gracilis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 8-11 mm. |
| Male | 7.5-9 mm. |
Where is Nomada gracilis found?
Range: New York and the New England states. Discover Life Map
What does Nomada gracilis eat?
The diet of the Nomada gracilis includes Salix.
When is Nomada gracilis active?
Nomada gracilis: seasonal activity - March and April..