A rather large and robust mining bee with a striking red abdomen. Females have a rather squamous, cropped orange thoracic pile which helps to distinguish it from Andrena nilotica, with which it can sometimes fly. Males possess a longer haired thoracic pile of similar colouration to the female. Both sexes have an orange-red abdomen with faint buffish hairs, largely orange legs and pale facial hairs. The head is also rather deep-set, extending further behind the ocelli than most other Andrena. This species was separated from Andrena pruinosa as a distinct species in 2023. It is usually much more strongly marked with red colouration than A. pruinosa, but for intermediate specimens it is best to check the length of the antennal segments (segment 3 is much longer in A. parata). This species is endemic to Spain.

Distribution: Restricted to the eastern half of Spain.

Flight Period: Data is limited, but it certainly flies in May and almost certainly flies in April and June as well.

Habitat: This is a steppic species which occurs on relatively dry, open, flower-rich grasslands. It can also be found in sandy grasslands, scrub and the margins of cultivated areas.

Flowers Visited: Both sexes visit flowers of Echium.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species southwest of Rivas-Vaciamadrid, a suburb in southeastern Madrid. Here both sexes were observed in steppic grassland visiting flowers of Echium.