Common Bee Wasp - Nomada ruficornis

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.

Males

• red, yellow and black on abdomen
• labrum yellow
• tergite 2 with complete yellow band
• antennal scapes yellowish in front
• scutellum with a pair of red spots
• mandibles bifit at tip

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’).

Meadows and hedgerows.

April to June.

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.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.