Bare-saddled Cellophane Bee

Colletes similis can reach a body length of about 7.5–10 mm (0.30–0.39 in) in males, of about 9–11 mm (0.35–0.43 in) in females. Forewing length can reach 5.5–7 mm (0.22–0.28 in) in males, about 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) in females. Body of these bees is black and rather robust. Head and thorax are closely punctured, with dense fulvous hairs. Third joint of the antennae in the males is slightly longer than the fourth. Wings are slightly clouded, with pale nervures. Post scutellum and mesonotum show dense, fulvous hairs. Abdomen is slightly shining, ovate, finely rugulose, closely and distinctly punctured in the males. In the females abdomen is very finely punctured, with pale hairs on the basal segments and very short dark hairs on the others, First segment is nearly glabrous, second, third and fourth segments have a lateral apical band of white hairs. Legs are clothed with pale hairs.

This species is present in the Palearctic realm, including most of Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China). It can also be found in Near East, in North Africa, and in Argentina.