Description

Body length 8 - 11mm. This bee has a black face with scattered buff hairs. The thorax has a deep pile of rich, red/brown hair on its dorsal surface, with buff hairs on the sides. The abdomen is dark brown with sparse buff hairs along the sides and underneath and red/brown hairs on its tip. The hind tibia is light brown with buff hairs.

Habitat

They forage over a wide range of habitats on Willow, Blackthorn, Hawthorn as well as composites like dandelions and other flowering plants.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread through most of Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to July.