This is a large and robust bee, similar in size to a queen Bombus terrestris. Unlike other species of Iberian Xylocopa, this species lacks the purplish, smoky wings and is readily identifiable. Both sexes possess a light covering of buffish hairs on the thorax and a tuft of orange hair on the and of the abdomen. Both sexes also have buffish hairs on the legs. Abraded individuals, such as the one pictured, can be frequent towards the end of the flight period.

Distribution: In Europe this is essentially a west Mediterranean species, occuring throughout much of the Iberian Peninsula as well the southern coast of France.

Flight Period: Possibly single-brooded, flying between April-July.

Habitat: A species of maquis and scrub, as well as woodland edges and clearings. It appears to be more frequent in hilly areas.

Flowers Visited: Poorly known, but it has been found on Thymus capitatus, English Lavender, Rosemary and other Lamiaceae.

Personal records: This is a species I have observed once, in an area of dense maquis in the foothills of the Sierra de Almijarra in southern Spain. Here I observed a rather abraded females visiting flowers of Thymus capitatus.