The plight of the honeybee has been well-documented in recent years, with commercial beekeepers reporting losses ranging between 60 and 100% this year alone. But, as experts are still trying to determine the reasons behind this devastating trend, researchers have been looking to other, lesser-known bees to fill the gap.
Meet the Mason Bee
One such unlikely hero is the mason bee, also known as the blue orchard bee. These bees, despite their humble appearance, are some of the most effective pollinators in the field. According to David Hunter, CEO of Crown Bees, a company that sells and ships native bees and bee hotels, mason bees “belly flop” onto flowers, flinging pollen everywhere.
- Unlike honeybees, mason bees don’t carry pollen back to the hive, but instead fling it around to pollinate flowers.
- Their hairy bodies and clumsy landing technique make them well-suited to this task.
The Mason Bee Life Cycle
Mason bees are unlike other bees, as they don’t live in hives and don’t make honey. According to Hunter, “all females are queens” and they lay their eggs in cavities or tubes, sealing the entrance with mud to protect them from predators.
- Through the summer, they become big larvae, spin a cocoon, and metamorphose to an adult.
- And in the fall, it’s an adult bee in a cocoon that just hibernates through the winter.
Native Bees: The Unsung Heroes
Hunter, who is also a board member of the Planet Bee Foundation, is trying to spread the word about native bees, including the mason bee and the leafcutter bee. He believes that these bees are under pressure from pesticide use, habitat loss, and mite infestations, just like honeybees.
It’s an interesting life cycle,” says Hunter. “Through the summer, they become big larvae, spin a cocoon, and metamorphose to an adult. And in the fall, it’s an adult bee in a cocoon that just hibernates through the winter.”
Beth Cummings’ Mason Bee Experience
Beth Cummings, a retired college professor, first tried mason bees after her fruit trees burst into bloom in the spring. She discovered that the mason bees were effective pollinators, but they were not as productive as she had hoped.
- Despite the initial results, Cummings continued to order mason bees, and has since seen a significant increase in fruit production.
- The mason bees are also a quiet and non-threatening presence in her garden, making them ideal for families with allergies.
Conservation Efforts
Cummings has found that by providing a safe and welcoming environment for the mason bees, she has seen a significant increase in fruit production. She orders mason bees in their cocoon stage and then hatches them as temperatures warm, providing a steady supply of pollinators throughout the growing season. And the best part? Cummings can store the mason bees in the refrigerator during the winter, and then mail them back to Crown Bees, which will care for them over the winter.
| Key Benefits of Mason Bees | Benefits for Gardeners and Farmers |
|---|---|
| Low maintenance and easy to care for | Pollination success rate is higher than honeybees |
| Quiet and non-threatening presence | Effective pollination can lead to increased fruit production |
| No stinging, making them ideal for families with allergies | More environmentally friendly than honeybees |
Conclusion
As the honeybee continues to decline, researchers are looking to other, lesser-known bees to fill the gap. The mason bee, with its unique life cycle and effective pollination technique, is one such hero. By providing a safe and welcoming environment for these bees, gardeners and farmers can reap the benefits of increased fruit production, reduced maintenance, and a more environmentally friendly approach to pollination.
