Saving the small things that run the planet
Variable Nomad Bee
Fast Facts
Latin name: Nomada zonata
Notable feature: The underside of the abdomen is red.
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Where in the UK: Mostly recorded in South/South East England, with few records in the Midlands.
Variable Nomad Bee (Nomada zonatat) © Barry Walter (iNaturalist)
The Variable Nomad Bee (Nomada zonata) is as its name suggests, incredibly varied in appearance. They have yellow, orange or reddish spots on their scutellum (triangular plate found on thorax) and similar variations on their abdomen markings.
This solitary bee was first discovered in Jersey in 2011 followed by a discovery on mainland Britain in Kent in 2016. Since then, it has rapidly expanded throughout England, reaching Warwickshire by 2021 and Lancashire by 2023.
The Variable Nomad Bee has been recorded in a range of habitats, including grasslands, woodland, brownfield sites and urban green spaces.
Size: 5-7mm
Life span: Annual
Diet: Varied diet. Commonly recorded feeding on brambles and ragworts.
Reproduction: This species produces two generations of offspring a year, the first in May and the second around July. They parasitise the Short-fringed Mining Bee (Andrena dorsata), laying eggs in their host’s nest to hatch and feed on the pollen stores collected for their own young.
When to see: The first generation of the year can be seen on the wing from April to May and the second generation from late June to August.
Population Trend: Unknown.
Threats: Loss of flower-rich habitat and vulnerable host population.
Interesting Fact: The season in which a generation is produced can influence the colouring and markings found on individuals.
Buglife is working to restore habitat for the Variable Nomad Bee and other invertebrates through specific projects and campaigns, including Solitary Bee Week and B-Lines, but we need your help!
Buglife B-Lines are an imaginative and beautiful solution to the problem of the loss of flowers and pollinators. B-Lines are a series of ‘insect pathways’ running through our countryside and towns, along which we are restoring and creating a series of wildflower-rich habitat stepping stones. Linking existing wildlife areas together, creating a network, like a railway, that will weave across the UK landscape. More information about B-Lines and how you can help pollinators can be found here.
Join a recording scheme and log your finds – send any records/sightings to BWARS or download the iRecord app and get recording!
Do remember that we rely on donations to continue our work. If you have searched, found and learnt about our incredible invertebrates on our website, please do consider Making a Donation, Becoming a Member or maybe even making a purchase in our shop. For more ideas on how to support our work find out how to Get Involved. Thank you 🕷
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