When I saw this insect sipping nectar from a Spring Beauty wildflower on Tuesday, I was sure that it was some kind of wasp or hornet. Bees, I thought, do not have such narrow waists. I was wrong. Some of the experts at bugguide.net identified my insect as a male Nomad Bee (genus Nomada).
Nomad Bees are the largest genus of kleptoparasitic “cuckoo bees,” according to Wikipedia. “Kleptoparasitic bees are so named because they enter the nests of a host and lay eggs there, stealing resources that the host has already collected.” Nomad bees do sip nectar like other bees, as you can see in my photos, but do not collect pollen to feed their offspring.
I remember being shocked the first time that I read about cuckoos and cowbirds deliberating laying their eggs in the nests of other birds to avoid having to build their own nests and raise their own babies. I guess I can add nomad bees to the list of deliberately delinquent parents.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nomad Bees exist, thanks for the great photos and the inspiring information. Cheers
and never stop learning
Thanks. It is always a humbling experience to realize how little I know about nature. There is always something new to learn as I often discover when trying to figure out what I have photographed. 🙂
WOW! I definitely would have thought this to “bee” some sort of a wasp too. Nomad Bee, I like that name! These are super photos and information. I knew about birds being absentee parents, but did not know that bees do that too. I am forwarding this to Benjamin. I sure do miss sharing your photos with him. There are so many details for him to explore on the enlarged photos. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
I was surprised to get as much detail as I did, considering that the little wildflowers are only about 1/2 inch in size. As I mentioned to someone else today, it is humbling to realize how little I know about nature–there are always new surprises waiting for me.
Thanks for sharing! That is so interesting! I knew about some birds laying their eggs in other birds nests but nothing about this Nomad Bee. Fascinating!
Nice Mike! Never noticed a Nomad Bee. Probably saw one and thought it was a Wasp! Glad you are still able to get out to photograph! Here in NJ everything is shut down except grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants for take out only. Hope all is well and stay safe!
Each state seems to be setting its own rules. I am avoiding people almost totally and know that I am blessed to be able to get out in the wild occasionally. On a personal basis, I know that it is good for my mental well-being. Hang in there, Reed. Eventually the restrictions will be lifted, though I suspect that things will take quite a while to return to what we used to consider “normal.”
Right now, I’ll bet a lot of people would like to deposit their kids in someone else’s nest 🙂
Indeed. I have real sympathy for parents with kids at home. It has to be driving both the kids and the parents crazy, especially with the limits on what the kids can do.
I wold think “Hide and Seek” would be making a huge comeback.
You have that right! My Daughter is dreaming about sending my 6 year old Grandson to my “nest” for a week as soon as the stay-at-home is able to be discontinued. As for me, that cannot happen soon enough!
I’m sure it’s hard not being able to see him. I hope the day comes soon.
Fascinating. And beautiful photographs.
Terrific photographs, Mike! It’s usually quite a challenge for me to identify some insects. Nice work!
These are fantastic bees, Mike, and I have yet to see one this spring here.
Interesting to know this Mike, amazing facts and lovely photos. I will have a look out for this guy.
Yet another in the long list of insects that I’ve never been aware of before. Thanks again, Mike!
There is so much amazing diversity in the insect world that it overwhelms me a bit when I delve into it. I can only image how crazy it would be if I lived in a tropical environment.
Although I am familiar with the kleptoparasitic birds, I never knew there were bees. Found this interesting. These photos of the bee on the delicate pink blossoms are wonderful, Mike.
Thanks, Jet. It was interesting to read about these bees. I learned, for example, that they don’t have the “buckets” or other anatomical parts to collect pollen, because they never have to store it to feed their young.