This is, on average, the smallest of the Hylaeus bees in Ireland and can be identified in the field with a close look at the face. Both sexes have a rather wide, round face when compared to other species, as well as smaller yellow markings. It has a smooth, relatively hairless body and is primarily black in colour. It is classed as Endangered in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Widely recorded but absent from much of the midlands, north and west of the island. It has been recorded most frequently in eastern coastal areas.

Flight Period: Flies between mid-May and late August in one generation, peaking in July.

Habitat: Has been recorded in a variety of sites, including coastal dunes, scrub and light woodland.

Flowers Visited: Wild Carrot, Hogweed and particularly Bramble, among others.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species at sandy coastal sites such as Ballyteigue Burrow (Co. Wexford), Brittas Bay (Co. Wicklow) and Murlough (Co. Down). I have found it to be locally common at these sites, where both males and females congregate around patches of Bramble and both bask and feed on the flowers. Nesting reportedly occurs in hollow plant stems.