This uncommon cleptoparasite was recently found to be associated with the Allegheny Mining Bee (Andrena alleghaniensis). Allegheny Mining Bees nest communally in sandy areas and are most active in late May and early June. This species is very similar to the Articulated Nomad, which is thought to be a parasite of Striped-Sweat Bees (genus Agapostemon)
Identification: A medium-sized, late spring Nomad. Females are all red, without the yellow marks on many other Nomads.
Similar Species: Also called the Five-spined Nomad, this species is best distinguished from the very similar Articulated Nomad (Nomada articulata) by the length of the small spines on the end of the hind tibia. Austral Nomads tend to be active slightly early in the spring than Articulated, since the hosts of the later usually don’t emerge until the end of May. The Lehigh Gap Cuckoo Nomad Bee (Nomada lehighensis) is another late spring species that can be all red (though usually has a few yellow dots). Based a small sample size, N. lehighensis tend to be a lighter red (vs. dark brick red for N. articulata and N. australis).
Known or Suspected Hosts: Allegheny Mining Bee (Andrena alleghaniensis)
Global Status:
Vermont Status: Not Ranked
For more information, visit the following links:
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Living Atlas Species Page
Distribution: To see the global distribution, check out the iNaturalist account, and toggle the GBIF layer on the map.
