Osmia rufa

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]

Distribution

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]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} http://www.redmason.net/
2. ^ ^{a b c} INSECTS - Collins gem guide ISBN 0-00-458818-5
3. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} http://www.buckingham-nurseries.co.uk/acatalog/Mason_Bee_FAQ.html