DESCRIPTION: Length up to 11mm.  A fairly large Mining Bee with a good clump of bright foxy-orange hair covering the thorax and a polished black abdomen that adds a noticeable contrast. Males have obvious white facial hair, especially on the clypeus. Females have thin apical side-bars of white pubescence on abdominal segments 1-3 and have either black or white facial hairs. BEHAVIOUR: Nests can be seen in dispersed colonies amongst short and medium length grassland. Flowers visited are varied including Blackthorn, Gorse, Colt's-Foot, Speedwells and Dandelions. DISTRIBUTION: A southern species in the UK which can be quite common were found. HABITAT: A lover of open grassland areas but can be found in urban areas. PERIOD:  Late March to July.