Description

Over all length 6 to 7mm.Very hairy, the thorax is dark and the abdomen is dull red/orange. The wings are patterned by two small spots and a thickened vein.

Habitat

Mostly found around sallows like Goat Willow. The adults can be seen feeding on catkins and they parasitize mining bees like Andrena praecox and A. clarkella.

Status and distribution

In Britain this is a scarce species with scattered records only as far north as Yorkshire. Not previously recorded in Nottinghamshire and recorded once at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to April.