MASON BEEThe orchard mason bee is a gentle beneficial insect that can pollinate apples, cherries, and other tree fruits. It is found throughout most of North America. They are not a destructive bee if found around the house or in house cavities.
The mason bee is dark blue in color and compared to the honey bee is slightly smaller. Noted for its unusual nesting habits as follows:
Life goes on in the chamber that the female has built. First comes the larva which eats the food and makes a cocoon and then becomes a pupa. At summers end an adult will emerge. The adult hibernates for winter. Spring brings a renewed cycle(some say the female will gather food, lay eggs and do the mud work and die from exhaustion). The female orchard mason bee lives for about a month and can produce one or two eggs each day. The mason bee has been pollinating for millions of years on this continent. Long before the honey bee was brought to North America. Increase fruit size by attracting pollinating honeybees. Click here
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