Melittobia acasta entering a sealed Red Mason bee cavity- video

Melittobia acasta entering a sealed Red Mason bee cavity- video

Melittobia acasta is a parasitoid of solitary bees When I saw this, I was amazed at the tiny size of the gap that this determined parasitoid wasp was in entering the mud sealed nesting cavity of a Red Mason (Osmia bicornis) bee. If left unchecked it and its offspring...
Ptinus sexpunctatus listed as a natural enemy of Red mason bees

Ptinus sexpunctatus listed as a natural enemy of Red mason bees

Ptinus sexpunctatus 6 spotted spider beetle not a welcome visitor to Red Mason bee nests! I found several of these beetles when cleaning out an orchard solitary bee nest box, containing Red mason and leafcutter bees. I do not know how they arrive whether they fly in...
Easter eggs and easter cocoons 2017

Easter eggs and easter cocoons 2017

Easter Blue tit eggs and easter Red mason bee cocoons I hope the Blue tits fare better this year than last year 2016 I notice that this female has found a tennis ball as the female did last year! I wonder if it is the same female or even the same tennis ball? Easter...
Solitary bees by Ted Benton

Solitary bees by Ted Benton

New Solitary Bees book Before writing the review, I asked Ted why he wrote the book bearing in mind he is better known for his bumblebee work and this was his reply: Since early childhood I’ve lived a passionate engagement with wildlife – often focussing...