This is a rather broadly-built leafcutter which is restricted to coastal areas around the southeast of Ireland. Females are rather hairy, with dense buffish-coloured hair around the head, thorax and typically the first two tergites on the abdomen. The males can be quite large, rivalling the size of females and they too are noticeably hairy. They possess pale, enlarged forelegs like those of Megachile willughbiella. Their limited coastal range in Ireland and restricted habitat means they are classed as Near Threatened.

Distribution in Ireland: Restricted to the coasts of Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford, found from Brittas Bay (Co. Wicklow) to Tramore (Co. Waterford).

Flight Period: Flies in one generation between early June – early August, peaking in July.

Habitat: Restricted to sandy coastal sites, which may include typical sand dunes or brownfield land.

Flowers Visited: Polylectic on a wide variety of flowers including Sea Bindweed, Common Restharrow, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, bramble, thistles, knapweeds and others.

Personal Records: I have observed this species at three sites: Brittas Bay (Co. Wicklow), The Raven and Ballyteigue Burrow (both Co. Wexford). It is locally common at all three sites, where both males and females may be abundant around the sheltered hollows and gullies among the dunes. At both Brittas Bay and Ballyteigue I have observed females nesting in burrows constructed in partially-consolidated sand, usually around the cover of vegetation. They appear to nest either singly or in loose aggregations.