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Osmia sp.
Unidentified Mason Bee
Florida native
There are 8 species of Osmia in Florida. These are seen mostly in March and April, but sometimes as early as February and as late as July. There are approximately 150 species in the United States and Canada and over 350 species worldwide, with a range of the Northern Hemisphere (Holarctic).
The Florida species are bright blue bees with a short robust body, usually less than 12mm (half inch) long. They utilize existing cavities for nesting, partitioning into cells with mud or other materials. Instead pollen sacs on the legs females have pollen brushes on the underside of the abdomen, a characteristic shared with other members of the Megachilidae family.
For a key to the genus Osmia in Florida visit UF Entomology & Nematology Dept. website
Osmia sp. is a member of the Megachilidae - Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies family.
Date record last modified: Mar 21, 2020
