About Gold-fringed Mason Bee
A distinctive solitary bee that nests inside empty snail shells on warm hillsides. Females cover the shell with grass and debris for camouflage after laying eggs.
Did You Know?
It exclusively nests in snail shells, carefully selecting ones of the right size for its brood.
How to Identify Gold-fringed Mason Bee
Gold-fringed Mason Bee (Osmia aurulenta) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Megachilidae. Adults typically measure 9-12 mm.
Gold-fringed Mason Bee Habitat
Gold-fringed Mason Bee is found in beaches & coastal habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Gold-fringed Mason Bee Diet and Feeding
Gold-fringed Mason 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 Gold-fringed Mason Bee Found?
Gold-fringed Mason Bee can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, where it inhabits beaches & coastal environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Gold-fringed Mason Bee can be found
Is Gold-fringed Mason Bee Dangerous?
Gold-fringed Mason 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.
Gold-fringed Mason Bee Role in Nature
Gold-fringed Mason 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 Gold-fringed Mason Bee
What does Gold-fringed Mason Bee look like?
The Gold-fringed Mason Bee typically measures 9-12 mm.
Where is Gold-fringed Mason Bee found?
The Gold-fringed Mason Bee is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe and typically inhabits beaches & coastal environments.
What does Gold-fringed Mason Bee eat?
The Gold-fringed Mason Bee feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Gold-fringed Mason Bee dangerous to humans?
The Gold-fringed Mason 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 Gold-fringed Mason Bee?
It exclusively nests in snail shells, carefully selecting ones of the right size for its brood.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Gold-fringed Mason Bee (Osmia aurulenta). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/gold-fringed-mason-bee
MLA:
"Gold-fringed Mason Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/gold-fringed-mason-bee.