Ectemnius solitary wasps using a Nurturing Nature nest box

Ectemnius solitary wasps using a Nurturing Nature nest box

Ectemnius solitary wasps Although there are several species of Ectemnius solitary wasps in the UK, I think probably the ones in the film are male  Ectemnius continuus. which according to Jeremy Early, are very similar in appearance is E. rupicola.  This species...
What is a vestibular cell in a Red mason bee nest?

What is a vestibular cell in a Red mason bee nest?

What is the vestibular cell in a Red mason bee nest? In the photograph below you will see all but one cell (red star) has what is called a vestibulum, (pl. vestibuli). This is the outermost cell within a nesting cavity and is usually an empty cell, with no provisions,...
How do Red mason bees get out of their mud cells?

How do Red mason bees get out of their mud cells?

The mud cells inside a Red mason bee nest are very hard. Many people know that Red mason bee females seal their cells with mud to protect their offspring from potential harm and to keep the internal cell environment conducive to the success of its contents. The mud...
Life cycle of the Common yellow-face bee (Hylaeus communis)

Life cycle of the Common yellow-face bee (Hylaeus communis)

The life cycle of the Common yellow-face bee (Hylaeus communis) Certainly one of our smallest solitary bees the Common yellow face bee is only 4-5mm. BWARS described its nesting biology as “An opportunistic cavity-nester, utilising existing burrows of a suitable...
The Magic of the Willow Wand

The Magic of the Willow Wand

Discovering the Willow Wand Whilst cycling along a country lane a couple of weeks ago, I came across these beautiful and most unusual willow trees growing in flower pots. Upon closer examination, I saw that they were called ‘Willow Wands’ and was very...