Mason bees and wasps

I've recently become obsessed with hole-nesting bees and wasps so decided to build myself a hotel and document the comings and goings. After approximately two weeks I've observed two bee species and two wasp species (linked observations). Part of my obsession arose because I think it would be great if local folks knew about all the amazing insects that would be killed by those mosquito-spraying services that are increasingly in vogue. So I'd love to get neighbors interested in setting up their own hotels, though that goal might take a few years. Mainly I just think hotel-nesting ("trap house") insects are cool. And I need some pollinators.

Making hotels is fun, too. It's a great way to get rid of scrap lumber around the shop. If you have a question about construction please don't hesitate to message me.

mason bee house

Posted on 06 June, 2018 14:19 by colinpurrington colinpurrington

Observations

Photos / Sounds

What

Mason Bees (Genus Osmia)

Observer

colinpurrington

Date

May 29, 2018 01:30 PM EDT

Description

Some sort of hole-dwelling bee that moved into in my mason bee house yesterday. Hole diameter is approximately 1/8".

Photos / Sounds

What

Mock-orange Scissor Bee (Chelostoma philadelphi)

Observer

colinpurrington

Date

May 29, 2018 01:27 PM EDT

Description

Some sort of hole-dwelling bee. Hole size is approximately 1/8".

Photos / Sounds

Observer

colinpurrington

Date

May 30, 2018 05:33 PM EDT

Description

Small wasp near a Chelostoma philadelphi. The hole diameter is 1/8", so wasp is maybe 1.5 mm long. This is the second time I've seen the wasp near the holes. Could be same individual but not sure. Parasitoid of mason bees?

Photos / Sounds

Observer

colinpurrington

Date

June 5, 2018 01:21 PM EDT

Description

Potter/mason wasp, I'm assuming. Wood dust from hole obscures thoracic markings, unfortunately, so not sure whether ID is possible. It explored several holes so not sure whether she's decided to stay at hotel.

Euodynerus foraminatus? Looks like it, but I gather there are several other species that look similar (e.g., as described in http://cjai.biologicalsurvey.ca/bmc_05/28e_foraminatus.html). Per Kevin O'Neill book they suspend an egg over the paralyzed caterpillars in a cell. Adults are nectar feeders and sometimes nectar robbers. Females also eat caterpillars.

Tags

Comments

Wonderful! I am planning on building one this summer!

Posted by flowntheloop over 6 years ago

Hey this is pretty neat! Maybe I'll make one with some of the scrap wood I have laying around! I gotta make a new squirrel feeder anyway! :)

Posted by ken-potter over 2 years ago

You definitely should! Hours of entertainment or your money back.

Posted by colinpurrington over 2 years ago

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