[1][2] It is native to North America where it has a wide distribution across Canada and the western, midwestern, and northeastern United States.

It is black with scattered gray and yellowish hairs on the head.

[3] This species displays four genetically controlled color polymorphisms: the second and third abdominal terga may have red or black hairs, and the fourth and fifth may be either yellow or black.

[4] This small, short-tongued bee lives in and around wooded areas and it can be found in urban parks and gardens.

It feeds on several kinds of plants, including chicories, snakeroots, strawberries, gumweeds, sunflowers, goldenrods, clovers, vetches, and goldeneyes.