The Red Mason Bee is a small common bee which nests in hollow plant stems,in holes in cliffs and crumbling mortar of old buildings.It is a solitary bee so after mating each female builds its own nest.
It is widespread in England and is on the wing from late March to early summer. Osmia rufa is a very efficient pollinator and feeds solely on pollen and nectar.
This species can be identified by the two horn-like processes on the front of the face as shown in this female below.
