This is a species which reaches its northernmost distributional limit in Europe. A large and robust bee, females are instantly recognisable as they have a bright yellow thoracic pile whilst the rest of the body is black. Males are primairly black but with a covering of dull greenish-yellow hairs.

Distribution: In Europe, this species is only found in southern and central Greece as well as the southern coast of Spain, where it is a relatively recent arrival. It is also common on the Canary Islands.

Flight Period: In the south of its range, this species is continually brooded and occurs throughout the year. Data from Europe suggests that April-November is the typical flight period.

Habitat: A species which can be found in a wide range of sites, including cultivated land, woodland edges, maquis, brownfield sites, parks and gardens.

Flowers Visited: Visits a wide range of flowers including Lantana, capers and various Lamiaceae.

Personal Records: I have yet to find this species in Europe, but I have encountered it along the Nile near Aswan in southern Egypt. Here females were quite common, visiting flowers of Crape Myrtle. It was surpisingly breezy here, hence the poor photo!