White-jawed Yellow-face Bee - Hylaeus confusus

This bee is a very close relative of the scarcer Hylaeus incongruus Förster (formerly misidentified in Britain as H. gibbus (Saunders)) and the females of the two species can be difficult to distinguish apart, although the extent of the yellow facial markings offers the best character for identification. In southern England both species are occasionally found flying together.

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters.

Mainly associated with open deciduous woodland but it also occurs in bushy places on chalk grassland, heaths, fens and on the coast.

Presumed to be univoltine in the British Isles, flying from late May to the end of September.

Nests in a variety of burrows in dead stems and wood; a female has been seen burrowing in the ground.

Widely distributed throughout Britain though rare and sporadic in Scotland. It is a locally common bee in the southern half of Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.