The females of this medium-sized mining bee have a black head, thorax and abdomen, pale buffish-grey bands of hair on the abdomen, a buff terminal fringe of hair at the end of the abdomen and pale buffish hindleg hairs. The hairs on the terminal fringe and hind tibia are strongly branches (plumose), which is a useful ID feature. The foveae are also pale and broad. This species is a speciality of the southern Iberian Peninsula, particularly on southern and western dune systems. Females nest in rather loose sand, much like Andrena barbilabris. 

Distribution: In Europe, this species is confined to the southern coast of Spain and the southern and western coasts of Portugal, roughly between Lisbon and Motril. There are a handful of inland records also.

Flight Period: A late spring species, flying in a single generation between April-June.

Habitat: Known to be associated with dunes and other open, sandy areas.

Flowers Visited: Females are oligolectic on members of the daisy family (Asteraceae), particularly Cichorioideae.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species once, in the extensive dunes of Praia Grande de Pêra in southern Portugal. Here females were  foraging on the yellow composite Andryala arenaria. They are also known to visit Andryala integrifolia.