Another primarily black and yellow wasp-like nomad bee, measuring between 8-10mm. The wing bases are yellow and one distinctive feature is the yellow scutellum, appearing as a ‘couplet’ of yellow nodules fused together. The legs are orange and the first band on the abdomen is broken. It is somewhat variable and some specimens have dark reddish coloration on the abdomen.  Records would suggest that it is a scarce species however it is likely under-recorded due to its unobtrusive nature and preference for heathland habitats. The host species are Andrena fuscipes and A. denticulata.

Distribution in Ireland: Local and somewhat uncommon with most records coming from upland or coastal areas, especially the Wicklow mountains, although this likely reflects levels of surveying. Records are thinly scattered across all four provinces.

Flight Period: Late June until mid-September, generally peaking in July and August.

Habitat: A range of habitats are used, but seems to favour heathland, scrub and dry grasslands where the host species occur.

Flowers visited: Ragwort, Ling, Wild Thyme, Sheep’s-bit and others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species at six sites;  Murlough NNR, Bloody Bridge and Sprucefield (all Co. Down), Top Rath (Co. Louth), Woodburn Forest (Co. Antrim), Nine Stones (Co. Carlow) and  from a sandy quarry near Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone. I have observed the males feeding on Ragwort and females flying around bare patches of soil, searching for their host. At Murlough, Bloody Bridge and Nine Stones the host species is A. fuscipes and at Carrickmore, Top Rath and Sprucefield it is A. denticulata.