Andrena praecox

Length 8 to 11 mm. This is a blackish bee with grey hairs. The female having more body hairs than the male.

Heathland and open woodland where there is sufficient sallow to support populations of this bee.

Early March to the end of April or early May.

Nests in colonies.

Rather local, but often common where it does occur, throughout much of southern Britain, as far north as south Yorkshire.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.