Polylectic, but in Britain with a strong preference for Lotus corniculatus and Hippocrepis comosa (Fabaceae). Cells of a failed nest collected in West Sussex were largely provisioned with Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) pollen (nest collected by G.R. Else, pollen identified by P. Westrich). Pollen sources recorded so far belong to 18 different families including Asteraceae (Amiet et al., 2004; Müller, 1991; Westrich, 1989; Else & Edawrds, 2018). A. Müller, unpublished, based on 4 pollen samples from 4 different localities).
In Germany, Friese (1897) states that pollen is collected from Potentilla tabernaemontani (Rosaceae) and Crocus (Liliaceae)
Westrich (1989) lists the following pollen sources in Germany: Anthriscus sylvestris (Apiaceae); Tussilago farfara, Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae); Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae); Brassica napus (Brassicaceae); Helianthemum nummularium (Cistaceae); Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Vicia sepium, Ononis repens, Cytisus scoparius (Fabaceae); Ajuga reptans, Ajuga genevensis, Salvia pratensis (Lamiaceae); Scilla sibirica (Liliaceae); Pulsatilla vulgaris, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, Ranunculus lanuginosus, Ranunculus repens, (Ranunculaceae); Fragaria vesca, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina, (Rosaceae); Salix caprea (Salicaceae); Ribes uva-crispa (Saxifragaceae); Viola hirta (Violaceae).
Flowers visited include: Anemone nemorosa (Ranunculaceae) Viola canina (Violaceae); Onobrychis viciifolia (Fabaceae); Salix (including S. repens) (Salicaceae); Nepeta, Glechoma hederacea (Lamiaceae); Bellis perennis, Taraxacum (Asteraceae) and Scilla verna (Liliaceae) In the early part of the flight season, in April and early May, both sexes mainly visit Viola (Violaceae) flowers as a nectar source.
In Germany, Friese (1897) reports that nectar is obtained from Erica carnea (Ericaceae); Viola (Violaceae); and Lotus. (Fabaceae). In the Netherlands, Peeters, Raemakers & Smit (1999) also list Salix sp (Salicaceae).
Knuth (1906) citing himself and others, reports visitation to Pulsatilla pratensis, Anemone nemorosa (Ranunculaceae).
Cross (2011) lists Ulex europaeus (Fabaceae) as a pollen source in Dorset, England.