This is one of three small species of mining bee which occur in Ireland, all of which are rather non-descript. Like Andrena subopaca and A. minutula, it measures 7-9mm in length and is predominantly black in colour with sparse grey hairs on the face and sides of the thorax and abdomen. Its primary means of identification lie on the abdomen in the form of noticeably shiny apical depressions (which simply look like glossy black bands). It  is listed as Vulnerable in Ireland but is easily overlooked and consequently probably under-recorded.

Distribution in Ireland: Appears to have an eastern and southern bias, with records appearing from the Antrim coast south to Wexford and west to Cork and Kerry. It is so far unknown from western Ulster, the midlands, Connacht and parts of Munster.

Flight Period: Flies in a single generation from early May-July.

Habitat: Woodland clearings, scrub, meadows, farmland, heathland and other habitats.

Flowers visited: Cow Parsley, Hogweed, Ground Elder, daisies and others. Females demonstrate a preference for umbellifers (Apiaceae).

Personal records: I have recorded this species along the Bloody Bridge trail in Co. Down in lightly-wooded scrub. I have also obersved females feeding on Hogweed along a deciduous woodland margin in Hillsborough (Co. Down). It is an inconspicuous species and females can be found foraging on umbellifers in sunny woodland clearings. Nesting habits are not well known, but apparently it nests singly in south-facing slopes and banks over in loamy soils. It is one of the hosts of the Little Nomad Bee (Nomada flavoguttata).