Harebell Carpenter Bee - Chelostoma campanularum

A tiny, narrow bodied, black bee. It has white pollen collecting hairs on underside of abdomen.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Associated with the flowers of various bellflowers (Campanula species). It is commonly found in town and village gardens if suitable flowers are growing there.

Flies from June to early August.

Nests in old beetle holes or the exposed ends of thatch.

Common and widespread in much of England, but more or less absent from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.