The species is one of two similar Colletes which can be found commonly in suitable sandy sites along the east and south coasts, the other being Colletes floralis. Unlike C. floralis however, females of this species usually have a brighter orange thoracic pile and broader, buff-coloured abdominal bands. It can be separated from C. daviesanus again by the brighter orange and denser thoracic pile, the hairless, comparitively duller first tergite and the buffish-white colour of the abdominal bands in fresh individuals. The males of the three species are much trickier and should be checked under a microscope.

Distribution in Ireland: Local; occurs from Co. Louth southwards along the coast to east Cork. There have also been recent records from old  quarries in Cos. Carlow and Dublin, suggesting that it may occur more widely inland in suitable dry, flower-rich sites.

Flight Period: Early-June until early September, peaking in July.

Habitat: Generally restricted to sand dunes along the east and south coasts, although soft-rock cliffs and other dry, flower-rich sites may also be frequented. Old quarries and similar sites may be used inland.

Flowers Visited: Primarily a visitor of composite flowers (Asteraceae), such as Ragwort, Tansy, Yarrow, Sea Mayweed, Wild Carrot and Ox-eye Daisy. A wide range of other flowers may also be used.

Personal Records: I have seen this species in sand dune systems on the east coast, such as Baltray Dunes in Co. Louth, Portrane Beach (Co. Dublin, Buckroney Dunes and Brittas Bay (Co. Wicklow) and The Raven and Ballyteigue Burrow (Co. Wexford). Both sexes can be encountered at these dune sites in summer by searching on umbellifers and composite flowers, particularly Wild Carrot, Hogweed, Ragwort, Yarrow and various hawkweeds.  The nesting sites I have observed for this species are mostly partially-vegetated south-facing dune slopes, usually singly but sometimes in loose aggregations alongside Colletes floralis (although unlike that species it doesn’t seem to nest collectively in large numbers). Inland, it will nst in south-facing scrapes and banks, usually in light friable soils.