Pretty much all the ones I had that looked viable have hatched (I only had about 8 in total). Not sure where they went though! Zero mason bee activity in my bee houses.
Just as I thought the bees were avoiding my nest boxes this year, today I saw a leafcutter going into one of them. Then at the same time I saw a bee entering the George Pilkington box which they ignored last year
Pleased to discover this morning that some of my cocoons have hatched (whilst I wasn't looking) but I was there to watch this little one emerging (leaf cutter?). It spent some time cleaning itself and then without warning it suddenly took off at amazing speed and disappeared.
Interesting that it is now that they will start to nest.
I have had two George P boxes for a few years now - one atop the other. The old box is totally full (mason bees only), the other untouched ever. What does that tell you? No idea.
Interesting that it is now that they will start to nest.
I have had two George P boxes for a few years now - one atop the other. The old box is totally full (mason bees only), the other untouched ever. What does that tell you? No idea.
Strange isn't it. Whilst they have started to use my G Pilkington box for the first time, I have noticed bees entering a hole already occupied, with both bees flying out and having a little mid air fight.
The two empty cocoons at the front of my photo, are they covered in pollen or mites?
I think it's poo - I'm guessing but I thought maybe from their larva stage before they make their cocoon. When I've emptied bee houses, they are always covered in this stuff and I washed it all off. I think it might have explained it on masonbees.co.uk
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The two empty cocoons at the front of my photo, are they covered in pollen or mites?