The Small Sallow Mining Bee is a specialist pollinator, relying almost exclusively on willow catkins (Salix spp.) for pollen. Emerging in early spring, it plays a crucial role in pollinating willows, which are among the first plants to bloom each year.

This bee is typically found in southern Britain, inhabiting willow-rich environments such as woodland edges, heathlands, old quarries, and brownfield sites. It prefers sparsely vegetated, well-drained soils for nesting and is active from early March to May.

Females forage almost exclusively on the catkins of Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) and Goat Willow (Salix caprea), synchronizing their life cycle with the flowering period of these trees. Males are often seen flying around willow blossoms but rarely feed.