description Osmia uncinata Overview
Osmia uncinata is a solitary mason bee found across parts of Eurasia. German entomologist Carl Eduard Adolph Gerstäcker first scientifically described the species in 1869. In the United Kingdom, the bee is closely associated with old Caledonian pinewood forests and woodland clearings, where it nests in existing cavities. The species relies on specific woodland habitats for foraging and reproduction.
help Osmia uncinata FAQ
What kind of habitat does the mason bee Osmia uncinata prefer in Britain?
In the United Kingdom, Osmia uncinata is famously associated with the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Scotland. It favors sunny woodland clearings where it can find both pine trees and the specific flowers it relies on.
Who first described the species Osmia uncinata?
The species was officially described by the German entomologist Carl Eduard Adolph Gerstäcker in 1869. It is part of the diverse and widespread genus Osmia, commonly known as mason bees.
How does Osmia uncinata build its nests?
Like other mason bees, females seek out existing cavities, such as old beetle boreholes in dead pine trees. They construct the walls and seal the entrances of their nesting cells using chewed leaves or mud gathered from their surroundings.
What is the conservation status of Osmia uncinata in the UK?
It is considered a rare and vulnerable species in Britain, largely due to the historical decline of its native pinewood habitat. Conservationists actively manage forests in the Scottish Highlands to ensure the sunny, flower-rich clearings this bee needs to survive.
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