Best time to see: May to end Aug

Key facts

This is one of many species of solitary bee that use the nests of other species to raise their young.

Cuckoo bees like this one in the genus Nomada parasitise mining bees, each usually targeting a different species

Recognition

Very wasp-like in appearance, with black-and-yellow stripes; antennae and legs are often orange or yellow

Since they use other bees to feed their young, the females have no brush or baskets for carrying pollen

Different Nomada species are very difficult to tell apart