Large Yellow-face Bee - Hylaeus signatus

A largely black species, the males with a striking pale yellow face.

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field.  All red-rated records should include a photo, or set of photos, showing the key characters, which may require the specimen. Please include a face shot, side, top and wings.  Note whether male or female, explain how the specimen met the key characters and the key used.  We will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via the BWARS’ Facebook noting the name of the person/organisation identifying the record (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’).

Generally open habitats, including calcareous grassland, quarries, coastal marshes and beaches, post-industrial sites and private gardens. Most often found at flowers of mignonette and weld.

Univoltine; mid-June to August or September.

Nests have been found in burrows in the vertical faces of compacted soil (both sand and clay), dead woody stems (such as bramble) and in vacated nests of Colletes daviesanus.

Widely distributed throughout much of southern and central Britain but very local and classed as nationally scarce.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.