This species was discovered in Ireland in 2015, when it was spotted in July of that year in Co. Wexford. Since then, it has spread north and west and is now locally common in parts of the southeast of the island. It’s an unmistakable species, being blackish-brown in colour with sparse grey body hair on the thorax and head and yellow spotting on the abdomen. It is somewhat unusual in that the males are usually larger than the females. They also possess several projections at the rear of the abdomen. It has yet to be assessed in Ireland, although it does not appear to be threatened.

Distribution in Ireland: At present, restricted to the SE of the island. It has spread as far west as mid-Cork and as far north as Dublin and is likely to continue to do so.

Flight Period: Flies in a single generation from late May – early September, peaking in June and July.

Habitat: In Ireland, it is known from a variety of habitats including sand dunes, parks, gardens, brownfield sites and scrubby woodland edges.

Flowers Visited: A variety of flowers including Common Restharrow, brambles, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Wild Thyme and others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species in the environs of Kilmore Quay and Ballyteigue Burrow, as well as Wexford town (all Co. Wexford). It is locally numerous in this area, with several males observed patrolling clumps of Common Restharrow along roadsides and among the dunes. Females were also found in these area, although they seem to be less obtrusive and would be seen foraging on plants such as Common Restharrow, Bird’s-foot Trefoil and brambles. The males are highly territorial, hovering and darting around selected patches of flowers where they will chase off most other flying insects, including much larger bumblebee queens or butterflies. I have yet to observe the nesting sites, but these are typically constructed in dead wood, crevices in tree stumps or buildings etc. and other aerial settings. These are lined with compacted plant hairs from conspicuously hairy species such as Yarrow, Mullein or Lamb’s-ear.