This is a large early-flying species of mining bee, measuring between 13-16mm. Both sexes have a yellowish-brown thoracic pile and short, relatively dense buff hairs on the abdomen, given it a somewhat ‘fuzzy’ appearance. The facial hairs are dark and the hind tibia hairs are a pale orange colour. Males are typically smaller and slimmer than females. It is relatively common in Britain but scarcer in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Most records are from the south and east coasts and the midlands. A small number of records come from northern and western areas and it appears to become progressively more coastal in its occurance from south to north. It is not a particularly frequent species and is listed as Vulnerable.

Flight period: March-July, with a peak in April and May. The flight period can be long and it can fly well into June at some sites. A secondary emergece in early autumn may occur in southern areas if the weather is favourable.

Habitat: Found in a range of habitats including farmland, scrub, unimproved grasslands, brownfield land, coastal dunes and urban areas. In the north of Ireland however it is largely absent inland and is more frequent around the coast, particularly around soft-rock cliffs and coastal grassland.

Flowers visited: Females are polylectic and both sexes will visit a variety of flowers including buttercups, dandelions, Red Clover, willow blossom, Thrift and others.

Personal records: I have observed this species at several sites along the Co. Down coast, such as Killard Point, Sheeplands and Kilkeel. At Killard, females nest in loose aggregations in south and east-facing soft-rock cliffs with many other aculeates. Males are often seen in the vicinity of the nesting sites, basking on bare soil or feeding on various flowers. Other nesting sites include partially vegetated slopes, dirt tracks and short coastal turf.  I have found females at a small brownfield site in Borris (Co. Carlow). I  have also observed both sexes in a disused quarry near Blessington, Co. Wicklow. Here females nest in aggregations in consolidated sand. It is a host of the nomad bees Nomada goodeniana, N. lathburiana and possibly acts as a secondary host of N. fabriciana.