Painted Nomad Bee - Nomada fucata

A medium-sized Nomada with an overall pattern of yellow and dark brown stripes on the abdomen. The first tergite is a clear reddish brown. 

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’).

Found in a wide variety of habitats including heathland and heathland edge, roadside verges, post-industrial sites, calcareous grassland, banks and lawns in towns and villages, soft rock cliffs and undercliffs. Almost anywhere where its host, Andrena flavipes, is present

Bivoltine; April to June, July and August.

Widely distributed throughout southern England, and the south Wales coast with fewer records further north.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Steven Falk flickr album