This species is a rather distinctive mining bee, with both sexes possessing grey hairs along each tergite, forming the prominent bands which give this species its name. Females have grey facial hairs and grey hairs lining the sides of the thorax with sparse black hairs on the top. Males are smaller than females with finer, sparser body hair. It has declined with the loss of flower-rich grasslands and is currently listed as Vulnerable.

Distribution in Ireland: This species is widespread across the island, but rather local. It can however be common where it occurs.

Flight Period: Late June- early September, peaking in July.

Habitat: Typically an inhabitant of open sites. It may be found in dry grassland, brownfield land, scrub, coastal dunes and occasionally flower-rich parks and gardens, generally avoiding heavy or peaty soils.

Flowers Visited: Oligolectic on Asteraceae. Females are heavily dependent on Ragwort for pollen and both sexes visit it for nectar. Other composites such as hawkweeds, Cat’s-ear, Common Knapweed, Creeping Thistle and Yarrow are also used, as well as others. Generally, yellow flowers are preferred. In addition to these plants, males will also nectar on brambles.

Personal Records: I first recorded this species at a sandy brownfield site near Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone. It is locally numerous here and both sexes can be found on Ragwort and hawkbits. I have also encountered foraging females at Lagan Meadows, Mourne Park and Sprucefield (Co. Down), Armagh town (Co. Armagh), Breen Wood (Co. Antrim), Inch Island (Co. Donegal), Top Rath (Co. Louth), Borris (Co. Carlow) and Brittas Bay (Co. Wicklow). Nesting occurs singly or in loose aggregations, typically in scrapes and banks. I have observed it nesting in both sandy and clay based soils. It is one of two hosts of the Black-horned Nomad Bee (Nomada rufipes).