Blue Mason Bee vs Large Sallow Mining Bee
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Blue Mason Bee | Large Sallow Mining Bee |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Osmia caerulescens | Andrena apicata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Megachilidae | Andrenidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 11-14 mm |
| Habitat | Gardens | Wetlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Blue Mason Bee
A small, metallic blue-black solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities in wood and walls. It is common in gardens and readily uses artificial bee hotels.
Did You Know?
Females seal each egg cell with chewed leaf material mixed with mud.
Large Sallow Mining Bee
A rare, early-spring mining bee that specializes on sallow and willow catkins. It has declined significantly across Europe due to loss of wetland habitats.
Did You Know?
It is so dependent on sallow catkins that the removal of sallow trees from wetlands has caused local extinctions across England.