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. Males are similar but with denser hairs.

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 fromlate 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.