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
© Tony Gunton