Osmia - Mason bees
Like leafcutter bees, Osmia have large jaws and big heads. They range in color from metallic blue to green, occasionally black. Their abdomens often have a rounded appearance. Osmia are called mason bees because they use mud to make their nest cells. Several species are managed for agricultural production. There are approximately 70 species in Oregon.
Size: 6-12mm
Preferred crops: Apple, blueberry, cane berries, cherry, and strawberry.
Nesting Behavior: Solitary. Osmia nest in cracks and crevices of wood or rock, in beetle holes, in pithy stems, and occassionally in the ground.
Preferred crops: Apple, blueberry, cane berries, cherry, and strawberry.
Nesting Behavior: Solitary. Osmia nest in cracks and crevices of wood or rock, in beetle holes, in pithy stems, and occassionally in the ground.
Mining bees carry pollen on specialized hairs on their abdomen.