Megachile centuncularis
Description
A medium-sized bee (10 to 12 mm long). The abdomen is dark brown above, but the female has an orange pollen brush underneath.
Identification difficulty

Habitat
It occurs in a range of habitats including gardens.
When to see it
Mid-June through to mid-August with its peak in July.
Life History
Pollen is obtained from a variety of flowers, but perhaps especially Asteraceae such as thistles, knapweeds, Fleabane and Cat's-ear, and also from the flowers of various members of the pea family.
UK Status
A widespread species in Britain, although it is more frequently recorded from the south.
VC55 Status
Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
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MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015