bleekvlekwespbij
Nomada alboguttata
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Henk Wallays, all rights reserved, uploaded by Henk Wallays
Overview
The bleekvlekwespbij (Nomada alboguttata) is a cuckoo bee species characterized by its distinctive black body marked with pale white or yellowish spots, giving it a wasp-like appearance. As a brood parasite, this species plays a specialized ecological role by laying its eggs in the nests of other solitary bee species, particularly mining bees in the genus Andrena.
Nomada alboguttata, a cuckoo bee species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of the specialized nesting sites of its host bee species. The species is particularly vulnerable because of its parasitic lifestyle, making it dependent on the population health of specific host bees, which are themselves declining due to agricultural intensification and pesticide use.
Habitat
Nomada alboguttata inhabits open sandy areas, heathlands, and coastal dunes where its host Andrena bees establish their ground-nesting colonies. The species requires flower-rich environments with diverse native plant communities that support both adult feeding and the foraging needs of its host species.
Other threatened species in Apidae
Threatened in Åland Islands
Frequently asked questions
Why is bleekvlekwespbij classified as Endangered?
Where does bleekvlekwespbij live?
What are the main threats to bleekvlekwespbij?
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