Description

Wing length 5 - 8mm. A small black and reddish-brown nomad bee, The thorax is all black and the abdomen is reddish. The males have a pair of yellow spots on the second and third segments and the females have black lines across the abdominal segments. The male antennae are all black. The females' are banded red and black.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats where ever Andrena bicolour, its host species, can be found.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Less common to absent further north. Fairly common in Nottinghamshire and recorded twice at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to August.