Osmia Behaviour

Breeding biology, investment allocation and larval performance in the Red Mason bee, Osmia bicornis (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)

The Red Mason Bee (Osmia bicornis, Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) is probably the most abundant solitary bee throughout Central Europe. We have established a set-up that allows detailed quantification of many aspects of foraging activity without any disturbance of the bees. We are interested in the breeding biology of this species with special focus of the intranidal behaviour, investment allocation among progeny, and larval performance as a function of different factors. 

Foto © Carolin Hefter

Publications

Strohm, E., Daniels, H., Warmers, C. and Stoll, C. (2002b). Nest provisioning and a possible cost of reproduction in the megachilid bee Osmia rufa studied by a new observation method, Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 14, 255-268.