Solitary Bee

Osmia rufa

Appearance

Image of Solitary Bee (Apis mellifera) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • Often similar to the honey bee.

Lifecycle

  • Colony size - small nests which are individually tended by a female.
  • Preferred nest sites - often in soil, sometimes in soft cement and mortar between bricks.
  • Nest construction - various materials. Usually a new nest each year.

Habits

  • Swarming - does not swarm.
  • Overwintering - usually in the pupal stage within the nest.
  • Food preferences - honey and pollen.
  • Rarely stings.