This is one of the earliest solitary bees to fly in the spring. By late March the male can be seen in gardens, patrolling lungwort flowers - Pulmonaria.

There are very few records for Hairy Footed Flower Bees in Shropshire. However it is relatively easy to record this species, as it looks like a small bumblebee, but it's habit of flying rapidly around a patch of flowers, often chasing off other insects, sets it apart from bumblebees which do not patrol territories.

The female is all black and usually appears a few days after the males.

If you find this bee in a garden SIG would be pleased to hear about it. Contact us here: SIG Hairy Footed Flower Bees