~ cuckoo bee [Nomada flava]

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Nomada species are cuckoo bees, laying their eggs in the nests of other species – usually Andrena bees.

N. flava has a yellow abdomen crossed by broad black stripes and with red patches at the front end.

It has red stripes on the thorax and two promient red tubercles.

The legs and antennae are orange-red.

N.panzeri occasionally shows the same abdomen pattern. To be certain of distinguishing them, certain hairs need to be checked under the microscope to see if they are black or yellowish.

Parasitises nest of several Andrena species. Like all bees, the adults feed on pollen and nectar. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales.

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