Osmia aglaia

Sandhouse, 1939

Oregon berry bee

Osmia aglaia is a solitary native to the western United States. It is commonly known as the Oregon berry due to its specialized role as a of brambles, particularly raspberries and blackberries. The exhibits metallic coloration and nests in pre-existing wood tunnels. are active in late spring, coinciding with Rubus bloom periods.

Osmia aglaia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Osmia aglaia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Osmia aglaia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Osmia aglaia: /ˈɒz.mi.ə əˈɡlaɪ.ə/

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Identification

Metallic blue, green, or rust/bronze coloration. Nests in tunnels in wood approximately 1/4–3/8 inches in diameter. Distinguished from other Osmia by its association with Rubus flowers in western Oregon and California and its specific metallic color variants.

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Distribution

Western United States: California, Oregon, and Washington.

Seasonality

Active as in late spring, synchronized with Rubus (bramble) flowering periods.

Diet

Pollen and nectar collected from brambles, specifically raspberries and blackberries (Rubus spp.).

Life Cycle

Nests in tunnels in wood about 1/4–3/8 inches in diameter. Females construct chambers provisioned with pollen cakes, deposit , and seal chambers with mud.

Ecological Role

Specialized of brambles in western Oregon and California, contributing to of raspberry and blackberry crops.

Human Relevance

Recognized as an agriculturally significant for berry production in its native range. No commercial management reported.

Similar Taxa

  • Osmia lignariaBoth are western North American Osmia with metallic coloration, but O. lignaria is the blue orchard bee with broader plant range and commercial use in orchard pollination.
  • Osmia cornifronsNon-native hornfaced introduced for orchard pollination; differs in geographic origin and management context.
  • Osmia taurusNon-native Asian with potential for range overlap; differs in origin and invasion .

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