Halictus rubicundus

This small bee is a member of the family Halictidae known as sweat bees. It is small (about 1 cm) dark brown, with fine yellowy white bands across the apices of the abdominal segments, and a yellow fuzz of hairs on the tip of the abdomen. The legs are often somewhat orangey.

Flower rich meadows and verges.

Spring to late summer.

H. rubicundus nests are constructed in the ground. Nests are dug in spring by a single female who typically rears a brood of 5-7 offspring.

Fairly common and widespread in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.