Description

Body length 7 - 11mm.  A fairly black-looking species where the female has sparse buff hairs on its head and thorax. The thorax is dull, not shiny, but the abdomen is shiny, with white bands of short hairs between the segments and orange hairs on the tip of the abdomen. The hind tibiae are orange with pale buff hairs.

Habitat

Woodland edge and hedgerows, visiting Blackthorn and Hawthorn flowers as well as a variety of other flowers.

Status and distribution

Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, apart from the west and north, where it is less so. Rare in Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to June.