This distinctive species is unique in Ireland as it is the only species with grey body hair and an orange-haired tail. The sexes are similar, but the males are fluffier with pale facial hairs. It gets its common name from its rather high-pitched buzz, which can be a useful indicator to its presence in the field. It is a much declined species in Ireland and is now more or less confined to the Burren in Co. Clare.  Consequently it is classed as Endangered in Ireland.

Distribution in Ireland: Historically found locally in southern and central Ireland, but nowadays confined to the Burren and surrounding areas in  Cos. Clare and Galway.

Flight Period: Queens emerge late, typically in May with the workers appearing in late June. New queens and male can be seen from late July until September.

Habitat: The contemporary habitat in Ireland is primarily limestone pavement and calcareous grassland. It was also historically known from flower-rich dunes and unimproved agricultural grassland.

Flowers Visited: A wide variety of species including Bird’s-foot Trefoil, clovers, thistes, brambles, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Bush Vetch and several others.

Personal Records: I have found this species in the Burren in Co. Clare, where I observed several queens visiting flowers of bramble and Bush Vetch.