This is a widespread and common bee in Spain, although it also occurs in southern France, Sardinia, Sicilly and northern Africa. Females are medium-sized with a rich fiery orange thoracic pile. There are pale orange hairs on the face and the legs are mostly orange-haired, but with a small number of dark brown hairs. The hind tibia is dark brown transitioning into golden-orange and the terminal fringe is dull orange-brown. The abdomen is otherwise black with a few sparse orange hairs. The thorax and abdomen are very rough (shagreened) and matt. The foveae are black and not particularly broad or narrow. Males are duller with a pale clypeus and pale orange tarsi.

Distribution: A western Mediterranean species, occuring in Portugal, Spain, southern France, Sardinia, Sicilly and the Balearic Islands. It also occurs in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya.

Flight Period: Univoltine, emerging in March and persisting until late May.

Habitat: Various habitats with abundant crucifers (Brassicaceae) are used, including field margins, brownfield land, parks, scrub, maquis, woodland clearings and dry grasslands.

Flowers Visited: Females collect pollen from various crucifers (Brassicaceae).

Personal Records: I have encountered this species at various location in Spain, including Antequera and Sierra de Gádor in the southeast, as well as southeastern Madrid in central Spain. At these sites females were observed visiting various yellow Brassicaceae in a variety of habitats.