A medium-sized bee (10 to 12 mm long). The abdomen is dark brown above, but the female has an orange pollen brush underneath.

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 of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’).  The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings.  The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters.  Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future.   Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS’ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065021433202 .  If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’.

It occurs in a range of habitats including gardens.

Mid-June through to mid-August with its peak in July.

Pollen is obtained from a variety of flowers, but perhaps especially Asteraceae such as thistles, knapweeds, Fleabane and Cat's-ear, and also from the flowers of various members of the pea family.

A widespread species in Britain, although it is more frequently recorded from the south.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.