This species is the commonest of Ireland’s three ‘mini-mining’ bees, although identification is not possible without microscopic views of the thorax and abdomen. It is a small species measuring 7-9mm with a black body and a light covering of greyish hairs, particularly so in the male. It is widespread and can be common, therefore being classed as Least Concern.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and relatively common throughout the island. Gaps in its distribution likely to be a result of underrecording, as it is a small and inconspicuous species.

Flight Period: Flies in a single generation between late April – July, however it peaks notably in May and June.

Habitat: Frequents a wide variety of habitats but is perhaps more common in sunny woodland edges and clearings, scrub, heathland margins and well-vegetated parkland.

Flowers Visited: Heath Speedwell, Germander Speedwell, brambles, Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Tormentil, dandelions and others.

Personal Records: I have encountered this species widely in Ireland. I have found females at sites such as Minnowburn and Bloody Bridge (Co. Down), Armagh city (Co. Armagh), Bonny Glen (Co. Donegal), Tigroney East (Co. Wicklow), Bru na Boinne (Co. Meath) and Ballard (Co. Clare).  Females I have usually encountered singly, often foraging on plants such as brambles, speedwells or Cow Parsley. I have observed the males twice, in one instance I found several lekking around a partially-vegetated dry clay bank in a brownfield site. At Bloody Bridge I managed to find the nesting site, which appeared to be solitary and constructed within the cover of grass along a south-facing bank.