This is one of two Coelioxys species in Ireland, both of which are very similar and difficult to separate. The females have a pointed 5th sternite compared to the notched sternite of Coelioxys elongata. The males are difficult to determine with certainty and rely on microscopic examination of the genitalia. It is a scarce species and is currently classed as Data Deficient due to a lack of records.

Distribution in Ireland: Widespread but scarce. It has been recorded more frequently from the southwest, with very few records from the midlands, north and west.

Flight Period: Univoltine, with a rather long flight period from mid-May until late August.

Habitat: Occurs where its hosts occur, which may include gardens and parks, heathland margins, woodland edges and scrub.

Flowers Visited: Not an avid nectar-feeder, but will occasionally stop and visit flowers such as Red Clover, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, brambles and various others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species at several sites, including Gortlecka and Lough Bunny (Co. Clare), The Raven (Co. Wexford) and Abbeyleix Bog (Co. Laois). It was not abundant at any of these sites, occurring in ones and twos. Males fly rapidly around sunlit patches of brambles blossom and rarely stop. Females can be found basking on deadwood or bare soil. The hosts in Ireland are not well known, but it has been reared from the nest of Megachile versicolor and likely uses other Megachile too.