Megachile centuncularis

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

It occurs in a range of habitats including gardens.

Mid-June through to mid-August with its peak in July.

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.

A widespread species in Britain, although it is more frequently recorded from the south.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland.