A medium-sized Leafcutter which is similar to several other Megchilidae in ireland, especially Megachile centuncularis. The best way to tell it apart is to look closely at the hairs under the abdomen as well as the hairs at the tip of the abdomen. The underside hairs are a rich orange which usually extend to the tip but do not form a ‘halo’ when viewed from above. The hairs on the final tergite at the end of the abdomen are also rather small and lie flat, rather than the upright hairs on that of M. centuncularis. It also has weak abdominal bands and Irish individuals in particular have darkish hairs on the top of the thorax and paler grey or buff hairs on the sides. Compared to M. willughbiella, it has short adpressed hairs on the final tergite, rather than long hairs. This is probably the most common leafcutter in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread throughout the entire island.

Flight Period: Late May-early September.

Habitat: A wide variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, heathland, light woodland, field margins and brownfield sites.

Flowers visited: Thistles, Knapweeds and Hawkweeds are favoured, but also Bramble, Bird’s-foot Trefoil and others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species at two sites: Hillsborough and Clonacullion Wood, both Co. Down. At the latter site I observed a female that had constructed a burrow in a piece of deadwood for use as a nesting site.