Lasioglossum calceatum (Scopoli, 1763) Common Furrow Bee, 5.5mm to 7mm.
Lasioglossum is the largest of all bee genera, containing over 1700 species in numerous subgenera worldwide. This sweat bee genus is highly variable in size, coloration, and physique. Most Lasioglossum species nest in the ground, some species prefer rotten logs.
A primitive eusocial mining bee in the southern part of its range, more of a solitary bee further north.
Females can appear by mid-March in the south of Britain and produce workers by early summer. Males and the “new” females are on wing by July till late October.
A common and widespread species found all over the United Kingdom although more common in the southern counties.
Habitat…Found in a wide variety of habitats, seems to favour open dry areas rich in wild flowers. Has many favoured flowers, including a variety of spring-flowering shrubs and plants. In the late summer months, males can be seen in abundance on thistles, knapweeds and ragwort. The female is widely polylectic but often found on Asteraceae.
In the images below are of the red-banded male. Males can also be in a darker form without the red colouration.