A. vaga is a large mining bee, 13-15mm in length,[1] which has the entire thorax clothed in grey hairs, sometimes showing a slight buff tinge, the scopae and hind femorae have white hairs.

[2] On closer examination the surface of the cuticle can be seen to be shiny metallic black.

The face is covered with brownish hairs[1] It resembles the ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria).

[5] A. vaga occurs in pastures and meadows, often near water, as well as heathland and woody glades[1]and coastal areas with loose soil, always in the vicinity of various species of willows (Salix).

[1] They are oligolectic and feed on and collect the pollen from willow trees of the genus Salix.