Explanation of Names
Author of genus is
Latreille 1804
from Greek mythology:
Nomia was a Naiad (river spirit)
Numbers
9 spp. (all in the subgenus
Acunomia that contains >50 spp.) in our area, ~130 spp. in 7 subgenera worldwide/total
(1)Identification
Front wing with three submarginal cells; first and third submarginal cells subequal in length: abdominal terga often with green or testaceous apical integumental bands. ('Bees of Florida', referenced below)
Very round faces. Eyes curve and meld into clypeus. Nomia has smooth bands of ivory tinged with blue or green on abdomen.
(2)Range
Much of the world but poorly represented in the Palaearctic (none in Europe & n. Asia) and south of Mexico (
map); in our area, across the US (only 2 spp. east of the Mississippi River) but none reaches Canada
(1)Season
Typically Jul-Aug, later in south
Life Cycle
Females are gregarious, but each excavates its own nest in soil, often alkali or clay. (Some species are called "alkali bees".)
Remarks
Some, esp.
N. melanderi, are managed commercially for the pollination of alfalfa.
(3)Internet References
Bees of Florida(4)--includes key to genera,
Subfamily Nomiinae (
Nomia, Dieunomia)
