This Lasioglossum is one of a number of small dark species with brownish legs. Features which differentiate it from its relatives are subtle (large and sparse punctures on the scutum) and cannot be observed without a eyeglass or microscope. Despite its name it does not have a shaggy appearance compared to other species and it  is relatively smooth and glossy, with a small number of pale hairs. Like its relatives it is easily overlooked and under-recorded.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread and fairly common, but more frequently recorded in the east.

Flight period: Females fly between March-September, whilst males fly between June-August.

Habitat: A wide range of habitats including brownfield sites, coastal grassland, scrub, unimproved grassland, soft rock cliffs. Typically a species of open environments.

Flowers visited: Buttercup, hawkweeds, hawkbits, Hawthorn, dandelions, knapweeds and others. Females are polylectic.

Personal records: I have observed this bee at Killard Point, Co. Down where it frequents the south-facing soft-rock cliffs and can also be observed feeding on yellow composite flowers. Additionally I have observed females at Lagan Meadows, Co. Antrim, Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone and Skerries Ballast Pit, Co. Dublin. Nesting occurs in south-facing banks in loose aggregations. It is probably the most frequently-encountered of the small black Lasioglossum species. There are no confirmed kleptoparasites in Ireland.