A rather wasp-like bee which is similar to Nomada marshamella but lacks the vertical band on the abdomen the base of the wings is a striking yellow, not red-brown. It is a medium-sized species (11-13mm) and often flies slowly and inquisitively along south-facing banks looking for burrows of its host species, Andrena nigroaenea and A. cineraria. It is listed in Endangered in Ireland but is suspected to be more common than currently thought.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread in the east but very few records exist in western areas. Not uncommon.

Flight Period: Early April-June.

Habitat: Mirrors that of its hosts and consequently is found in a range of habitats including scrub, woodland edges, coastal grassland, soft-rock cliffs, farmland verges etc.

Flowers visited: Dandelion seems to be a favourite, but also Willow catkins and various brassicas.

Personal Records: Despite being listed as Endangered, I have recorded this species at several localities. It is not uncommon along the soft-rock cliffs of Killard and along the sandy hollows along the Sheeplands coast (both Co. Down). I have also found it along several clay banks in the Hillsborough area (Co. Down), at Lough Navar (Co. Fermanagh) and Lagan Meadows in Belfast. (Co. Antrim). South-facing areas of bare soil where the host species (Andrena cineraria and A. nigroaenea) nest are ideal places to search for this species.