This is a medium-sized solitary species (9-12mm) which is similar in appearance to other leafcutter bees in Ireland, particularly Megachile versicolor. The females usually have more strongly-banded abdomens with a paler yellow-orange pollen brush (scopa) and buffish-brown hairs (it never has pale greyish hairs associated with the Irish form of M. versicolor). The most reliable way to tell it apart is to look at the end of the abdomen, which has short but upright hairs (flattened in M. versicolor). The males are much trickier, but the underside of sternite 4 (fourth abdominal segment) is matt and slightly hairy, whilst it is glossier and hairless in M. versicolor. It is currently classed as Near Threatened in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread but scarcer in the north and west.

Flight Period: Early June-Mid September, peaking in July.

Habitat: Occurs in a wide range of habitats including woodland edges and clearings, parks, gardens, coastal dunes and brownfield sites.

Flowers Visited: Fond of various composite flowers, such as Ragwort, Cat’s-ear, knapweeds and various thistles. Also visits brambles and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.

Personal Records: I have recorded this at several brownfield sites in Armagh (Co. Armagh), as well as Lagan Meadows (Co. Antrim) which are among the most northerly Irish records. I have also observed it around Clonakilty (Co. Cork) and near Wexford town (Co. Wexford). It appears to be less tolerant of cooler conditions than species like Megachile versicolor or M. willughbiella and tends to avoid more exposed areas such as west-facing dunes, upland heaths and bogs. The males are fond of basking on sunlit logs and other woody structures, a habit which they share with other leafcutters and mason bees. I have yet to observe an nests, although it reportedly uses dead wood, crevices in man-made structures and bee hotels and it is parasitized by the sharp-tailed bee Coelioxys inermis.