Length 5 to 7 mm. This is a small mainly black bee with sparse silvery grey hairs.

• 5-7mm (wing length less than 6.5mm)
• generally black
• pale hair fringes on the lateral margins of tergites 2 &3
• tergite 1-3 dull with microsculpture and few if any punctures
• scutum with numerous punctures

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings.  Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used.  We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’).

Visits various flowers for nectar and pollen.

March to September.

Nests in bare sandy ground.

Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.