description Osmia cornuta Overview
Osmia cornuta, commonly known as the horned hornet bee, is a species of solitary mason bee found across Europe. This bee’s distinctive horn-like projection on its head aids in nest construction within pre-existing cavities like wood or clay. Its early emergence makes it valuable for pollinating orchard crops such as almonds and apples, benefiting growers seeking efficient springtime pollination services. It's primarily utilized by beekeepers and agricultural businesses involved in fruit production.
insights Ranking position
Osmia cornuta ranks #37 of 423 in the Bee ranking, behind Blue Orchard Bee (Osmia lignaria), ahead of Andrena hattorfiana.
help Osmia cornuta FAQ
What is the 'horn' on the Osmia cornuta bee used for?
The female Osmia cornuta has a distinctive horn-like projection on her head which she uses to pack mud. This mud is essential for building the walls of her nests inside pre-existing cavities, earning her the common name of mason bee.
Why is the Osmia cornuta considered an important pollinator in agriculture?
This species emerges very early in the spring, making them perfectly timed to pollinate early-blooming fruit trees like apples and pears. Because they do not collect pollen in pollen baskets like honey bees, they drop a lot of pollen, making them highly efficient pollinators.
Where does the Osmia cornuta build its nests?
Unlike honey bees, this solitary bee does not live in hives but seeks out pre-existing cavities. They commonly build their mud-walled nests in hollow plant stems, holes in wood, or even empty snail shells across Europe.
Is the Osmia cornuta bee aggressive towards humans?
Solitary mason bees like the Osmia cornuta are extremely docile and rarely sting humans. They lack a hive to defend, so they only use their stinger as an absolute last resort if physically crushed.
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