About Blue Orchard Bee
A metallic dark blue solitary bee that nests in pre-existing holes in wood. It is an exceptionally efficient pollinator of fruit trees, significantly outperforming honey bees per individual.
Did You Know?
A single blue orchard bee can pollinate as effectively as 60 to 80 honey bees, making them increasingly important for commercial fruit production.
How to Identify Blue Orchard Bee
Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Megachilidae. Adults typically measure 10-14 mm.
Blue Orchard Bee Habitat
Blue Orchard Bee is found in orchards habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Blue Orchard Bee Diet and Feeding
Blue Orchard Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Blue Orchard Bee Found?
Blue Orchard Bee can be found in North America, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Blue Orchard Bee can be found
Is Blue Orchard Bee Dangerous?
Blue Orchard Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes many stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled. Stings can cause pain and swelling, and in rare cases may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Blue Orchard Bee Role in Nature
Blue Orchard Bee plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Orchard Bee
What does Blue Orchard Bee look like?
The Blue Orchard Bee typically measures 10-14 mm.
Where is Blue Orchard Bee found?
The Blue Orchard Bee is found in North America and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Blue Orchard Bee eat?
The Blue Orchard Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Blue Orchard Bee dangerous to humans?
The Blue Orchard Bee belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which includes stinging insects. While not typically aggressive, it may sting if threatened or handled.
What is an interesting fact about Blue Orchard Bee?
A single blue orchard bee can pollinate as effectively as 60 to 80 honey bees, making them increasingly important for commercial fruit production.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blue-orchard-bee
MLA:
"Blue Orchard Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/blue-orchard-bee.