| Osmia rufa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Megachilidae |
| Genus: | Osmia |
| Species: | O. rufa |
| Binomial name | |
| Osmia rufa (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
Osmia rufa is a species of solitary bee,[1][2][3] also known as the red mason bee due to its habit of using mud to build small cavities within its nest.[1]
The species is most active during the spring and early summer although it can be seen as far as late June. Despite being classed as solitary, these bees are gregarious.[1] The female is larger/broader than the male and has 2 large horns on the head.[2] The female has a much smaller sting than honeybees or wasps.[3] The male has no sting.[3] Osmia rufa nest in preexisting hollows, choosing not to excavate their own,[3] and have been known to nest in key holes, empty snail shells,[2] plant stems and empty beetle hollows.[1] Male larvae are placed in front of the females within the nest allowing the males to emerge first in the spring.[1] These bees store mostly pollen moistened with a small amount of nectar[3] which is eaten by the larvae during the summer before they rest through the winter in a cocoon.[1] Red mason bees are excellent pollinators.[1]
These bees are not aggressive and will only sting if handled very roughly between the fingers[3] and they are safe to be closely observed by children.[1][3]
Osmia rufa is found in England, southern Scotland (possibly northern Scotland as well), Wales, mainland Europe, Sweden, Norway, North Africa, Georgia, Turkey and Iran.[1]