Megachile versicolor

Females from the British mainland have the scopal hairs on sterna 5-6 black. Those from the Isle of Man and from Ireland have them extensively golden red, although the black form has been seen in Ireland too.

Found in a variety of habitats from heathland to brownfield sites and formal gardens to ruderal verge habitats.

This species in on the wing from June through to September with a large proportion of records in July.

Tree trunks, dead plant stems (including bramble), and roofing timbers are all noted as providing suitable locations for nests.

Recorded from southern England northwards to the coast of south-west Scotland. The majority of records are from south-east England along the south coast and up to Bristol.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.