Description

Body length - 6.5 to 9.5mm. A small dark mining bee that flies early in the year. The males have long mandibles with a projection at the base. The females are slightly brighter with a reddish-brown pile on the thorax and buff on the abdomen.

Habitat

Often found on brown-field sites where there are plenty of sallows.

Status and distribution

Widespread but local in England and Wales and as far as southern Scotland. Recently there has been an increase in abundance in the Midlands and it is common at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to May.