Red Mason bee Osmia bicornis, from egg, larva to cocoon Unlike bumblebees and honeybees, which live in a social nest together as a family and work as such for the benefit of their siblings, Red Mason bees (Osmia bicornis) are just one species in a much larger family...
First ever wool carder bees in garden and nest boxes! The wool carder bee, (Anthidium manicatum), arriving in my wildlife garden absolutely took me by surprise. It was the first time I had noticed them. I was even more surprised when I found several females sleeping...
Bees and apple pollination, a bite sized view! Scientists have researched which species pollinates these apples and how much is it worth in the UK. You can download their paper Apple Pollination: Demand Depends on Variety and Supply Depends on Pollinator Identity....
PLEASE clean your Red Mason bee (Osmia bicornis) cocoons! Pollen mites attach themselves to the bees using huge claws as they leave their natal nest, hitch a lift, (phoresy), and transfer to a female during mating hitching a lift back on their new host to drop off...
Bamboo canes and nesting blocks for solitary bees In the right hands, bamboo canes have been successfully used for years to attract solitary bees to nest inside. The key words here are ‘in the right hands’. People who successfully use them know what bees...
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