# Nevada Nomia (*Dieunomia nevadensis*) The Nevada Nomia is a small, buzzing bee that loves to visit flowers. It helps plants grow by spreading pollen while it collects nectar. These little bees are important for nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Desert ![Nevada Nomia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dieunomia_nevadensis%252C_M%252C_Side%252C_MD%252C_Upper_Marlboro_2014-08-22-14.21_%2833234445436%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dieunomia_nevadensis%252C_M%252C_Side%252C_MD%252C_Upper_Marlboro_2014-08-22-14.21_%2833234445436%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Nevada Nomia is a medium-sized bee with a striking metallic green or blue head and thorax. Its abdomen is distinctly banded with alternating dark and pale yellow stripes. This color pattern makes it visually different from many common brown or black bees. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Halictidae - **Genus:** Dieunomia ## Interesting facts - A single Nevada Nomia bee can visit hundreds of flowers in just one day to collect food! - Baby Nevada Nomias grow up eating a special ball of pollen and nectar their mom leaves behind! - These bees often nest side-by-side in huge underground cities, sometimes thousands strong! - Unlike honeybees, Nevada Nomias don't make honey, but they are crucial for pollinating crops! ## Special abilities - **Earth Burrower:** Nevada Nomia can dig intricate tunnels because of its strong legs and mandibles, which helps them create safe underground nests for their young. - **Super Pollinator:** Nevada Nomia has special fuzzy hairs that help them gather and transport lots of pollen, which makes them excellent helpers for flowering plants. - **Alkali Dweller:** Nevada Nomia can thrive in dry, alkaline soils because their larvae are adapted to these unique conditions, helping them nest where other bees cannot. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-30 mm - **Size:** 10-15 mm - **Lifespan:** 20-40 days - **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This bee sips sugary nectar for energy and collects protein-rich pollen to feed its growing young. - **Primary Foods:** Medicago sativa, Helianthus annuus, Melilotus officinalis, Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, Solidago canadensis - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Alfalfa](https://www.snappit.app/explore/alfalfa) (*Medicago sativa*) — Crucial for pollinating this important crop plant. - **Eaten by:** [Western Kingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-kingbird) (*Tyrannus verticalis*) — An insectivorous bird that preys on various flying insects. - **Eaten by:** White-bearded Robber Fly (*Efferia albibarbis*) — A predatory fly that ambushes bees for food. - **Parasitizes:** Concave Cuckoo Bee (*Triepeolus concavus*) — Lays eggs in Nevada Nomia nests, stealing food for its own young. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be gentle and watch from a distance when you see bees. They are friendly but can sting if scared. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Nevada Nomia? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Nevada Nomia's wingspan? 20-30 mm ### How big is Nevada Nomia? 10-15 mm ### How long does Nevada Nomia live? 20-40 days ### How fast can Nevada Nomia fly? 20 km/h ### What does Nevada Nomia eat? This bee sips sugary nectar for energy and collects protein-rich pollen to feed its growing young. ### Where is Nevada Nomia usually found? Desert ### How does Nevada Nomia hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Mission Bay Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mission-bay-park) — California, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Nevada Nomia: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/nevada-nomia)