Polylectic with a preference for Lamiaceae (e.g. Acinos, Ajuga, Stachys, Teucrium) and Fabaceae; additional pollen sources include Echium (Boraginaceae), Crassulaceae, Brassicaceae, Cistaceae, Antirrhineae and Campanulaceae (Amiet et al., 2004; Müller et al., 1997; Müller, 1996b; Westrich, 1989; A. Müller, unpublished, based on 24 pollen samples from 22 different localities and field observations). The females are equipped with a specialized pilosity on clypeus and frons composed of curved bristles, which are used to comb pollen from the nototribic anthers of Lamiaceae and Antirrhineae (Müller, 1996b; Müller et al., 1997).
Westrich (1989) who studied a smaller sample of specimens stated that he considered the bee to be oligolectic on small-flowered Lamiaceae. Known pollen sources include: Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium montanum, Ajuga genevensis, Acinos arvensis, Stachys recta and Salvia sp.
Banaszak & Romasenko (1989), copied by Stanisavljević (2000), list various genera as forage sources: Ajuga, Stachys, Teucrium, Salvia (Lamiaceae); Hieracium, Taraxacum (Asteraceae); Hippocrepis (Fabaceae).
Ivanov et al. (2005) (possibly repeating Banaszak & Romasenko) state that the species is polylectic, and shows a preference for Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae.
Grace (2010), citing Mavromoustakis (1948, 1951), lists visitation to Teucrium polium micropodioides (Lamiaceae); Echium (Boraginaceae); Medicago (Fabaceae); Calendula persica (Asteraceae); Linaria elatine (Plantaginaceae).