A medium-sized (8-12mm) spring species with a close association with willows. Fresh females have a reddish-buff thoracic pile with pale hairs along the sides of the thorax. The abdomen has a moderate covering of buffish coloured hairs, although these can fade and wear quickly. The males are small and slender but rather large-headed, with a distinctive mandible projection and rather sparsely clad with greyish-buff hairs. Both sexes resemble Andrena apicata, but this species is larger and the female is much less reddish in colour. It is classed as Vulnerable in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread but uncommon. Records are concentrated primarily in Leinster, but it has been recorded more sparsely in all provinces.

Flight period: Mid-March until late May, peaking in April. It is unusual to see this species later than mid-May.

Habitat: Occurs in willow-rich habitats, particularly deciduous woodland edges, scrub and brownfield sites. Like Andrena apicata, it appears to be less able to utilise urban and suburban habitats with willows in the manner that Andrena clarkella (another willow specialist) can and it appears to have an asosication with deciduous woodlands.

Flowers visited: Oligolectic on willows. Various willows may be used, but particularly Goat Willow and Grey Willow.

Personal records: I have observed this species at two sites, Knocksink Wood (Co. Wicklow) and St. Mullin’s (Co. Carlow). At the former site I observed a solitary female basking on a bare clay bank. At the latter site, I counted four females foraging on willow catkins and basking on wooden posts. I also counted at least 7 males. These were almost always flying around  or basking on pale wooden posts, tree trunks or willow blossoms. Its kleptoparasite, Nomada ferruginata has not been found in Ireland.