This is one of several ‘tri-tone’ nomad bees which flies in the springtime. It is most similar to Nomada panzeri and reliable ID relies on looking closely at the mandibles (in this species they are shaped like a bident, or ‘forked’).  The males also are noticeably hairy on the sides of the thorax. Compared to Nomada leucophthalma, the females have red markings on the thorax, typically redder abdomens and their antennae are redder. It is one of our commoner nomad species, probably reflecting the abundance of its host Andrena haemorrhoa. 

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread, but fewer records exist in northern and western areas.

Flight period: Mid-April – June.

Habitat: Occurs in a wide variety pf habitats like its host, such as parks, gardens, farmland, brownfield sites and woodland.

Flowers visited: Dandelion, buttercups, forget-me-nots, willows and others.

Personal records: I have recorded this species widely in counties Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Donegal, Wicklow, Carlow and Cork.I have also seen it in impressive numbers in open scrub and parkland in Lagan Meadows, Co. Antrim. It can be found flying around bare patches of soil around the base of trees and shrubs, as well as nectaring on nearby flowers. Andrena haemorrhoa is the sole host in Ireland.