Mason Bee

insects · builders · pollinator

Masters of mud. Mason bees get their name because they use mud or other masonry materials to build their nests, just like a construction worker uses bricks. They carefully pack mud into small cracks in stones, hollow stems, and holes in wood to create perfect little homes for their babies.

Creative home builders. Unlike honeybees that live in big colonies, mason bees are solitary and each female builds her own nest. They're not picky about where they build, as long as there's a dark, cozy cavity waiting for them, whether it's in tree bark, soil, or even a human-made bee hotel.

Reusing old homes. Mason bees often move into holes that were originally made by wood-boring insects. Instead of digging their own tunnels, they take advantage of these ready-made apartments and give them a fresh coat of mud to make them perfect for laying eggs.