Length 8 to 13 mm. The body is reddish-brown to yellow-brown. The conspicuous head is large and bright yellow with large reddish eyes. When in resting position the abdomen is usually folded forward.

Hedgerows and flower meadows.

May through to September.

Feeds on nectar or pollen of various flowering plants.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.