A variable Nomada which is similar in its appearance to Nomada ruficornis. A close-up view of the mandible tip through a hand lens will separate the two, with the current species possessing pointed mandible tips rather than bidentate. Females generally have yellow, red and black abdomens with a variable amount of red markings on the head and thorax. Males are smaller and much more yellowish in colour. It is currently classed as Near Threatened in Ireland. Its primary host in Ireland is Andrena fucata, although it also appears to use Andrena lapponica (this form may be a separate species, Nomada glabella) and possibly Andrena fulva. 

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread but not particularly frequent. A scarcity of records exists in the midlands and the northwest, although this is likely a result of under-recording.

Flight Period: Univoltine, generally matching that of its hosts. Those using A. fulva will emerge in early April, those using A. lapponica emerge in late April or early May and those using A. fucata emerge in mid May. It can generally be seen until July.

Habitat: Found along woodland edges and clearings, heathland, farmland hedgerows and occasionally parks and gardens.

Flowers Visited: Not an avid nectar feeder, but will on occasion visit flowers such as dandelions, brambles, Bilberry and others.

Personal Records: I have observed this species at several locations including Hillsborough and Bloody Bridge (Co. Down), Glenveagh National Park and Ards Forest (both Co. Donegal), Borris (Co. Carlow) and Powerscourt Demesne (Co. Wicklow). It is easy to overlook among Nomada ruficornis, which is generally much more frequent. Individuals which attack Andrena lapponica are generally small and redder than the more typical form which attacks Andrena fucata and may be a different species (Nomada glabella), although this needs to be checked. Like many Nomada, it can best be found by searching around nesting sites of its host species.