This is a medium-sized species, usually a little bit bigger than Andrena bicolor. At a glance, females look similar to A. bicolor, but the facial hairs are usually a pale straw-colour (rather than black), the thorax has pale hairs at the sides and the abdomen has a fine scattering of pale hairs, particularly in fresh individuals. The most distinctive feature however is a small vertical groove on the clypeus, which is visible under magnification. Males are smaller and slimmer and less colourful, appearing similar to several other species. Crucially however, they lack a projection at the base of the mandibles which helps to distinguish it from other similar species like Andrena fucata. It is classed as Vulnerable in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: A distinctly southern species, generally occuring south of a line between Kerry and Dublin.  It can be locally frequent where it does occur.

Flight period: A univoltine species, emerging in mid-April and generally flying until mid-June.

Habitat: Can be locally frequent in woodland clearings and margins, but it may also be found on brownfield land, farmland and heathland edges, particularly over acidic or neutral soils.

Flowers visited: A range of flowers may be visited, including dandelions, Hawthorn, Cow Parsley, buttercups and others.

Personal records: I have encountered this species near the village of Borris, Co. Carlow along the edge of deciduous woodland. Females were observed foraging on dandelions, whilst males were seen lekking over low-growing herbaceous vegetation, including dandelions, bluebells and buttercups.