This is a relatively large species which is part of the subgenus Melandrena. Females are largely black in colour with a beige-grey thoracic pile which quickly fades to ashy-grey. The hairs in the centre of the thorax have a tendency to rub off or become abraded, leave a ‘halo’ shaped ring of grey hairs around the margins. The foveae of the female are long and very narrow, which helps to seperate it from similar species. Males are thinly covered with pale grey hairs and have a densely punctured abdomen. They also possess a long third antennal segment, a dark clypeus and are best confirmed using the genitalia.

Distribution: A Mediterranean species, occuring in southern and central Portugal, most of Spain, southern France, peninsular Italy and Greece. It also occurs in southwestern Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and most larger Meditarranean islands.

Flight Period: A spring species, emerging from early Feburary and flying until late May, depending on location. It usually peaks in March and April.

Habitat: Found in various habitats where crucifers (Brassicaeae) grow, such as field margins, maquis, scrub, dry meadows and brownfield land.

Flowers Visited: Females forage solely on crucifers (Brassicaeae). Both sexes with visit Brassicaeae and yellow composite flowers (Asteraceae) for nectar.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species in the Sierra de Gádor in southeastern Spain. Here I observed females foraging on yellow crucifers in dry stoney meadows and agricultural margins.