Back to album

Red Mason Bees

Red Mason Bees (Osmia bicornis) mating - or at least cuddling! You can see the "horns" sticking out from the female's face that give this species its name. These bees live on nectar and pollen. Each female makes a separate nest typically in crumbling mortar but also in sandy banks, holes and cracks and even in old snail shells. The nests have a series of cells for the larvae to live in and the female adult provisions them with pollen.

Highest position in Explore: #214 on Apr 18, 2019.

7,604 views
118 faves
8 comments
Uploaded on April 18, 2019
Taken on April 18, 2019