Bear-clawed Nomad Bee
Nomada baccata
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Henk Wallays, all rights reserved
Overview
The Bear-clawed Nomad Bee (Nomada baccata) is a distinctive cuckoo bee species characterized by its robust, bear-like claws and striking yellow and black coloration. As a brood parasite, it infiltrates the nests of solitary ground-nesting bees, laying its eggs in host cells where its larvae consume the provisions intended for the host's offspring. This specialized parasitic lifestyle makes it entirely dependent on healthy populations of its specific host bee species.
The Bear-clawed Nomad Bee faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development, which destroys the specialized nesting sites of its host bee species. Climate change and pesticide use further compound these pressures, disrupting the delicate ecological relationships this parasitic bee depends upon for survival.
Habitat
This species inhabits sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and chalk downlands where its host bees construct their underground nests. It requires areas with sparse vegetation and exposed soil patches that provide optimal nesting conditions for ground-dwelling solitary bees.
Other threatened species in Apidae
Threatened in Austria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bear-clawed Nomad Bee classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Bear-clawed Nomad Bee live?
What are the main threats to Bear-clawed Nomad Bee?
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