Description

Body length 8 to 9mm. A small Mason Bee. The female has bright orange hairs beneath the abdomen for collecting pollen. There are pale hairs between the tergites, producing thin pale lines and the same pale hairs are fairly thick on the thorax and face. The eyes are a pale grey-blue with a pattern of darker spots.

Habitat

Normally found on calcareous soils where the female uses empty snail shells as brood chambers.

Status and distribution

Locally common in southern England, though absent from the West Country. Found as far north the line between the Severn and Wash and rarely further north. Uncommon in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to September.