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Mason Bee

Osmia ribifloris

Photo by gatorfellows
Published on Project Noah
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33.1525, -97.0185

Field Notes

Description:

Dark metallic green, fine hairs, light clear wings, and about the same size as a honey bee. Osmia ribifloris, one of several species referred to as a blueberry bee, is a megachilid bee native to the coastal mountains of southern California. This solitary bee normally gathers pollen from manzanita, but will pollinate blueberries, and is sometimes used commercially for this purpose.

Habitat:

Rosemary blooms.

Reference Links:

Species Osmia ribifloris - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Mason Bee

Osmia sp.

Reference Link
Small Wonders
1

Comments (2)
gatorfellows
the range for Osmia lignaria does not include Texas, but your other suggestion Osmia ribifloris sp. is spot on. Thanks so much :)
Small Wonders
Hi gatorfellows, this is either a male Osmia lignaria sp. or Osmia ribifloris sp.

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Pollinating Insects of the World

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Photographed
PublishedMarch 15, 2013

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