Blue Orchard Mason Bees
Osmia lignaria
Osmia lignaria, commonly known as the orchard mason bee or blue orchard bee, is a megachilid bee that makes nests in natural holes and reeds, creating individual cells for its brood that are separated by mud dividers. Unlike carpenter bees, it cannot drill holes in wood. O. lignaria is a common species used for early spring fruit bloom in the United States and Canada, though a number of other Osmia species are cultured for use in pollination.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Osmia lignaria |
| Family | Megachilidae |
| Type | Solitary bee |
| Status | Native to North America |
| Active season | Mar-Jun (adults) |
| What it needs | Hollow stems, woodpecker holes or bee blocks to nest in; mud to seal cells; early-blooming trees and shrubs |
| Where in Minnesota | Statewide; common in orchards and gardens with nesting cavities |
Mentioned In
Image Credits
- (c) Doug Wolfe, some rights reserved (CC BY) (CC BY 4.0)
- Red58bill (CC BY 3.0)