A rather large, wasp-like Nomada with yellow and black banding. It is similar to Nomada goodeniana but with darker antennae and paler, duller legs. It is best confirmed using microscoping features as there are several similar species throughout the species’ range. Its host is the Violet-winged Mining Bee (Andrena agilissima) and possibly the similar Andrena asperrima and Andrena afrensis.

Distribution: In Europe this is a widespread species on the continent, occuring from Portugal eastwards to Bulgaria, as far north as Germany and the Netherlands.

Flight Period: April-July in a single brood.

Habitat: Primarily a species of open, flower-rich habitats which are frequented by its host species. This includes coastal dunes and grasslands, field margins, scrub and maquis.

Flowers visited: Information is sparse, but it will visit French Lavender, Rosemary as well as various cistus species and yellow Asteraceae.

Personal Records: I have only recorded this species once, in the Querenca area in southern Portugal. I observed a female visiting French Lavender in flower-rich maquis.