You certainly know the honey bee. But have you ever heard of the mason bee? No? Then let me take you to a world that is just as fascinating.

What is a mason bee?

Mason bees belong to the family Megachilidae. Unlike honey bees, they do not live in colonies. They are solitary, which makes them particularly interesting. They have no constant buzzing around them, no worker bees to take care of the offspring. It is a solo show.

The name "mason bee" comes from the fact that these bees often nest in small holes or cracks in walls. However, they are not pests. Quite the contrary. Their presence can even be beneficial for your garden.

Mason bees and their preference for certain plants

If you have a garden or balcony, it's good to know which plants mason bees like. Because these little insects are great pollinators. Where they appear, there is often a higher yield of fruits or flowers.

Mason bees are less choosy than honey bees. They visit a wide variety of plants. However, they are particularly fond of bluebells, clover, and various fruit trees. So, when you're thinking about what to plant next - think about the mason bee!

An impressive nesting behavior

But how do these bees nest if they don't live in large communities like honeybees? Well, the mason bee is quite creative.

It looks for small crevices, cracks or holes in wood, stone or even in the ground. There she lays her eggs and seals the entrance with clay. This "living space" protects the offspring from predators and provides an ideal microclimate.

Another exciting aspect: mason bees do not collect pollen in special baskets on their legs, as honey bees do. Instead, they carry it on their abdomen. An amazing and effective method!

Dangers and protective measures for the mason bee

Unfortunately, mason bees, like many other insects, are threatened. Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change are affecting them.

So it's important to take steps to help them. How can you do that? For one, by choosing pesticide-free plants. Or placing special nesting boxes for mason bees in your garden. These small steps can make a big difference.

It is also helpful if you take care not to close all cracks and holes in your garden. These are potential nesting sites. And who knows, you may soon have a small colony of mason bees right on your doorstep!

Curious facts about the mason bee

1. Color variety: Wall bees come in different shades. From black to metallic blue - they are a real feast for the eyes!
2. Not a stitch in sight: Unlike many other bee species, mason bees are not aggressive. They only sting when they feel extremely threatened.
3. Turbo-fast development: It only takes a few weeks for mason bees to go from egg to adult bee. A real turbo cycle in the insect kingdom!

The Wall Bee Diary: A Life in Stages

From egg to larva, larva to pupa and finally to adult bee: the development of a mason bee is fascinating. Each stage has its peculiarities, its challenges and its wonders.

EggWhen the mason bee finds a suitable nest, it lays its eggs inside. Each egg gets its own "room", filled with pollen and nectar. These supplies are essential, because they feed the larva that will soon hatch.

Larva: Once the egg hatches, the next stage of life begins. The larva eats its way through the pollen and nectar stores. After this feeding phase it pupates.

Doll: In this phase the actual metamorphosis takes place. The inconspicuous larva becomes a bee. It is a miracle of nature that takes place in the hidden darkness of the nest.

Adult bee: As soon as the bee is ready, it bursts out of its nest. Now begins its short but active life as a pollinator.

Is it possible to breed mason bees?

The idea of growing mason bees may sound strange to some. But it is possible! With the right nesting aids and a bee-friendly environment, you can provide a habitat for these beneficial insects.

There are special "mason bee hotels" that you can buy or build yourself. These are made of wood with numerous small holes that are perfect for the nesting needs of the mason bee.

What do mason bees do in winter?

While many insects go into "sleep mode" in winter, mason bees overwinter as pupae in their nests. Protected from cold and predators, they wait for spring. When temperatures rise, they complete their metamorphosis and start a new bee year.

Wall bees in the city

Mason bees can survive even in urban areas. They are adaptable creatures. City dwellers can help by planting bee-friendly plants on balconies or in backyards. Hanging a small mason bee hotel can also be helpful.

Conclusion: The fascination mason bee

In our fast-paced times, we tend to overlook the small wonders of nature. Mason bees are one of those wonders. Although overshadowed by their better-known relatives, honeybees, they play an indispensable role in our ecosystem. Their remarkable nesting behavior, pollination efficiency, and adaptability make them an impressive component of the insect world.

For garden lovers and conservationists, mason bees also offer the opportunity to actively contribute to the protection and conservation of these species. Through simple measures, such as providing nesting aids or planting bee friendly flowers, we can help them and enrich our environment at the same time.

Awareness of the importance and beauty of the mason bee is growing. With each person who protects their habitat and shares their story, we move one step closer to a more harmonious coexistence with nature. Ultimately, the mason bee reminds us that great things can be found in even the smallest of things, and that every contribution, no matter how tiny, matters to the balance of our world.

Letzte Aktualisierung am 2023-09-30 / Affiliate Links / Bilder von der Amazon Product Advertising API