This is possibly Ireland’s commonest nomad bee and is certainly one of the most easily observable. It is a medium sized (11-13mm) wasp-like species with a broken band on the abdomen and the nodules at the base of the wings are a reddish colour. The legs and antennae are an orange-red colour. It is a cleptoparasite of Andrena scotica, A. nigroaenea and the rare A. trimmerana and can be seen inspecting burrows along south-facing banks.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and common. Fewer records exist from the west and northwest although this is possibly due to under-recording.

Flight Period: April-June, although a second brood flies in some southern areas in the UK and may do so in Ireland.

Habitat: A wide range of habitats including gardens, farmland verges, unimproved grassland, scrub, heath, woodland edges and clearings etc.

Flowers visited: Dandelion is favoured but also Buttercup, Willow catkins and Tormentil.

Personal Records: I have observed this species at several localities in counties Down, Antrim, Donegal and Dublin. It can be seen around the nesting sites of its host, Andrena scotica such as south-facing clay banks, sunny hedgerows and nectaring on flowers nearby. Other possible hosts in Ireland include the rare A. rosae and A. trimmerana. It is one of the commoner and more conspicuous Nomad bees in Ireland.