Mason bee

Species: Red Mason Bee

Scientific name: Osmia bicornis

Appearance: Covered in dense, gingery hair. Males have grey-white tufts of hair on their faces, females have darker hairs. Antennae are quite long. Similar body size to honeybees.

Size: Up to 1.2cm long. Females larger than males.

Natural History: A solitary bee that nests in existing holes rather than making their own. They can sometimes be seen grouped together and are not aggressive. They are important pollinators.