🐝 Ants, Bees & Wasps

Red Mason Bee

Osmia bicornis

About Red Mason Bee

A compact, ginger-haired solitary bee that nests in hollow stems and bee hotels. It is an exceptionally efficient pollinator of fruit trees in spring.

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Did You Know?

A single red mason bee can do the pollination work of 120 honeybees on apple trees.

How to Identify Red Mason Bee

Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis) belongs to the order Hymenoptera, family Megachilidae. Adults typically measure 8-13 mm.

Red Mason Bee Habitat

Red Mason Bee is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Red Mason Bee Diet and Feeding

Red Mason Bee feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.

Where Is Red Mason Bee Found?

Red Mason Bee can be found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Red Mason Bee can be found

Is Red Mason Bee Dangerous?

Red 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.

Red Mason Bee Role in Nature

Red Mason Bee is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Mason Bee

What does Red Mason Bee look like?

The Red Mason Bee typically measures 8-13 mm.

Where is Red Mason Bee found?

The Red Mason Bee is found in Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe and typically inhabits orchards environments.

What does Red Mason Bee eat?

The Red Mason Bee feeds on fruits.

Is Red Mason Bee dangerous to humans?

The Red 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 Red Mason Bee?

A single red mason bee can do the pollination work of 120 honeybees on apple trees.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-mason-bee

MLA:
"Red Mason Bee." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/red-mason-bee.