This is a relatively large and attractive mining bee with a strong association with yellow crucifers (Brassicaceae). The females are primarily black with a sparse covering of whiteish-grey hairs on the head, thoraci margins and legs. The abdomen has strong white hair bands. The head is relatively long with grey foveae. The second tegrite is unpunctured but strongly shagreened with a dull rough texture. The hind tibia hairs are bicoloured, being dark above and greyish-white below. Males have a slender body shape and are primarily black in colour. The abdomen is fairly densely punctured with a weak shine. The head is rather deep in shape and the mandibles are long and suckle-shaped.

Distribution: Primarily a Mediterranean species, occuring throuhgout the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, peninsular Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Cyprus, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and across northern Africa.  There are also populations in Iran, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbijan.

Flight Period: Seemingly univoltine in most areas, flying from late March – June.

Habitat: Capable of exploiting a range of habitats including steppic grassland, field margins, ruderal land and hot woodland edges, provided Brassicaceae are present.

Flowers Visited: As stated, both sexes have a strong association with Brassicaceae and females appear to be oligolectic on this family.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species on Hoary Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) around the suburb of Rivas-Vaciamadrid near Madrid in central Spain. Females were observed on this plant species in steppic grassland and arable field margins.