Mason Bee house with plastic insert and five tubes containing
cocoons (March 2009).
Male Mason Bee
Female Mason Bee
This female Mason Bee is plugging the hole with wet mud.
By mid June, 2009 nearly all cells are filled and capped off with
mud.
In July, 2009 wasps were observed raiding the Mason Bee larva.
The yellow arrow points out one of the wasps trying to get in after
the screened protective cover was added.
In November, 2009 the Mason Bee nest is taken apart.
Mason Bee cocoons.
Cocoons are rinsed in cool water.
Clean cocoons are now ready to store in the refrigerator until
spring.
Small parasitic wasps are discovered in a few of the cocoons.
Parasitic wasp to the Mason Bee under the microscope.
