The Houdini fly (Cacoexenus indagator) escape artist that uses its head! The adult flies are a little similar to fruit flies and have large bright red eyes. They are one of the main cleptoparasites of Red mason bees. They loiter around nests and nest site entrances...
Red and Blue Mason bees nesting in same nest box With Red mason bees and Blue Mason bees living together in the same Nurturing Nature solitary bee observation nest box, it’s like Liverpool and Everton supporters living together, which is great!! Besides Red...
A female Red Mason bee’s story This is a charming short video by Gary Smith, forming part of his MA at the University of West England (UWE). It gives a glimpse into the secret world of our gardens and particularly a female Red mason bee. I’m sure you will...
The trials and tribulations of Rusty, a male Red mason bee looking for a mate (1) Rusty, a male Red mason bee (Osmia bicornis) has a fast and furious life looking for a suitable mate in his short life. Competition is fierce. In the wild, the females can be very widely...
Attending the Royal Entomological Insect Festival York July 15 I must say that it was one of the most well organised and engaging of the many such festivals I have attended. The organisers and volunteers were so helpful and friendly. It turned out to be the busiest...
Last of the Red Masons! This has been the worst year for my Red Mason bees that I can remember. After a few emerging in April, cool daytime temperatures, cold nights, rain and that almost constant wind. All had played havoc with them. She has done well to survive...
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