Red Mason Bee - Osmia rufa

Habitat: Gardens, parks and other open areas

Size: 10mm

Species account: A familiar site in many gardens, the red mason bee is a superb pollinator, and nests are often set up in orchards to take advantage of this. By far the commonest Osmia species, both males and females are broadly bicoloured, with a dark thorax and orange red abdomen. Females have two distinct horns projecting from the head, distinguishing them from all other species. Nests are often made in crumbling mortar between bricks, or in bee boxes if provided. This is a typical spring species, on the wing from late March through to June.

Distribution map

Female

Male

Mating aggregation