A distinctive but localised species, found in areas where there is extensive heather growth. Unlikely to be confused with other Andrena species, although the Heather Colletes Bee (Colletes succinctus) is similar in appearance and shares the same habitats. It is somewhat larger, shinier, less hairy and has a ‘pointier’ abdomen. Males are smaller with more greyish colouration. This species is listed as Vulnerable in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Highly localised and patchy; strong populations exist in the Wicklow Mountains, elsewhere scattered localities in Down, Galway, Kerry, Donegal and the midlands. Likely under-recorded.

Flight Period: Early August-September

Habitat: Dry heathland and drier margins of bogs, including lowland heath and upland areas.

Flowers visited: Females are oligolectic on heathers, primarily Ling.

Personal Records: I have observed this species in four localities: Murlough NNR and Bloody Bridge (Co. Down), Rosbeg (Co. Donegal) and Glendalough Upper Lough (Co. Wicklow). At the former site its numbers don’t appear to be especially high and are very much eclipsed by those of similar Colletes succinctus. At Rosbeg, I observed several males lekking around stands of Ling and Bell Heather, settling occasionally on the flowers of these two plant species. I also observed a single female basking on long grass nearby. At Glendalough I observed several males basking on gravelly soil in a recently felled conifer plantation. Nesting reportedly occurs singly in dry soil. It is one of two hosts of the Black-horned Nomad Bee (Nomada rufipes).