This distinctive bee is one of Ireland’s most recent arrivals, having first been spotted in Co. Wexford in 2021. It is unique in that it is the only Irish species with a truly autumnal flight period, something which can help rule out other similar Colletes species. In general it is larger than its relatives, with a yellowish-orange thoracic pile and bright buff abdominal bands when fresh. It is expected to spread in Ireland and it may become relatively common over the coming years, certainly in the south and east.

Distribution in Ireland: Currently only found around the eastern coast of Wexford and south Wicklow as well as a single inland site in Co. Carlow. It is expected to spread north and west.

Flight Period: Univoltine, flying between early September and early November, peaking with the flowering of Ivy in late September-early October.

Habitat: In Ireland it is known from coastal dunes, farmland, woodland edges and scrub. It is capable of exploiting a wide range of habitats and can theoretically occur wherever there is sufficient Ivy growth and dry, partially-vegetated soils for nesting.

Flowers Visited: Females are polylectic but with an exceedingly strong preference for Ivy blossom. So far it has yet to be seen on other flowers, but elsewhere it may visit Bramble and other later-flowering species occasionally. Early flying males will visit a range of flowers for nectar if Ivy is yet to bloom.

Personal Records: I have observed this species around Curracloe in south Wexford. Both sexes can be commonly seen in the general area visiting Ivy blossom in sunny weather. I have also observed them at the well-known nesting aggregation at the nearby Raven Nature Reserve, where several thousand females nest in partially vegetated sandy slopes.