Osmia coloradensis

Osmia coloradensis is a solitary mason bee native to western North America. Unlike honey bees, solitary mason bees do not live in large managed colonies.

The species is associated with western North America and high-altitude alpine environments. It is adapted to short mountain growing seasons and cool conditions.

It forages on late-summer wildflowers. That timing is important because alpine bees must take advantage of a relatively brief period when flowers are available.

No. It is a solitary bee, so each female generally provisions her own nest rather than living in a honey-bee-style colony. Its mason-bee relatives often use cavities or other enclosed spaces for nesting.