What is "alkali bee"

n. a common solitary bee important for pollinating alfalfa in the western United States [syn: Nomia melanderi]

The alkali bee, Nomia melanderi, is a ground-nesting bee native to deserts and semi-arid desert basins of the western United States.

It is an effective pollinator for alfalfa.

It is preyed upon by the conopid fly Zodion obliquefasciatum.