Current state of knowledge on the biology and breeding of the solitary bee – Osmia bicornis

Abstract

This review gathers the majority of foregoing information about the red mason bee (Osmia bicornis, syn. rufa) (Apoidea: Megachilidae) and elaborates on the following issues: taxonomy and morphology, distribution, reproduction and sex ratios, nesting, life cycle, and daily activity, metabolic changes, accompanying organisms (including parasites), flower preferences and pollination, and breeding. To make forthcoming studies about O. bicornis bees more comprehensive, the authors also identified knowledge gaps.

Keywords:

• Solitary bee
• wild bee
• Osmia rufa
• pollinator management
• red mason bee
• artificial nests
• insect breeding

Disclosure statement

All the authors declare no conflicts of interest.