An unmistakable solitary bee seen at this time of the year is the Ashy Mining Bee,Andrena cineraria. A common bee in Britain and obvious by its black and ashy-grey markings.The females are black with two broad grey hairbands across the thorax,The males are similar,but the thorax is completely clothed with less dense grey hairs.In addition the male has a noticeable tuft of white hairs on the lower face.
This female pictured below appeared on the front passenger seat of my car and was happy to allow itself to be placed on a suitable leaf.
