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 with 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 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.