This is one of our commonest solitary bees and is also one of our larger species, measuring between 12-16mm. Females have rich chestnut-brown thoracic hairs and sparse, duller brown abdominal hairs, dark brown and grey hairs on the hind tibia, whilst the sides of the tergites are black, distinguishing it from rarer relatives like Andrena rosae (which has only been recorded from Co. Carlow). Males are smaller and slimmer without a projection on the base of the mandibles. It emerges early in the year and can be seen on dandelions and willow catkins when they first flower.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and common. The relative scarcity of records from Connacht and the northwest is possibly due to under-recording.

Flight Period: Late March- early July. Numbers peak between mid-April and mid-May, coinciding with the flowering of Hawthorn. It is rare to see this species later than June.

Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats including gardens, brownfield sites, urban areas, farmland, woodland edges and clearings.

Flowers visited: Females are polylectic and both sexes can be found on a wide range of flowers including dandelions, bramble, willows, Dog Rose, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, umbellifers, brassicas and gorses.

Personal Records: I have observed this species regularly in Hillsborough (Co. Down), where both females and males can be seen along verges and  hedgerows.  I have also encountered it at various sites in the greater Belfast area (Cos. Down & Antrim), Carnlough (Co. Antrim), Kilkeel (Co. Down), Tully Castle (Fermanagh), The Argory (Co. Armagh) and  at Buckroney dunes in Wicklow. Females often nest singly or in loose aggregations in south-facing clay banks in lightly wooded settings. It is the primary host species of the nomad bee Nomada marshamella.