Osmia pumila

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Osmia pumila: //ˈɒs.mi.ə ˈpjuː.mɪ.lə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Osmia pumila, M, Back, MD 2013-06-25.18.25.15 ZS PMax by Sam Droege. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Stelis lateralis, F, side, New York, Kings County 2013-03-05-15.48 (22517364921) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Osmia pumila, f, back, Charles Co. MD 2016-06-27-18.20 (28569081484) by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Stelis lateralis, F, face - New York, Kings County 2013-03-05-15.40 - USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory by USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Mason Bee - Osmia species, possibly pumila, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Osmia pumila, M, Face, MD 2013-06-25.18.39.16 ZS PMax (9302552275) by Sam Droege from Beltsville, USA. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Osmia pumila is a species of bee in the family Megachilidae, known for its solitary nesting behavior and critical role as a pollinator. The species can be found in a range of habitats across Central and North America, with a known distribution from Minnesota to Quebec and the New England states extending south to Georgia. The physical characteristics include a female size of approximately 8 mm and males ranging from 7 to 8 mm.

Physical Characteristics

Female: 8 mm; Male: 7-8 mm.

Identification Tips

Pay attention to the size difference between males and females, as well as floral associations when identifying Osmia pumila.

Habitat

Found in various habitats from Minnesota to Quebec and the New England states, extending south to Georgia.

Distribution

Central America and North America; specifically in regions from Minnesota to Quebec and the New England states, south to Georgia.

Diet

Primarily feeds on nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering plants, which it collects to feed its young.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details specific to Osmia pumila are not provided, but generally bees of this genus have a life cycle comprising egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with solitary nesting habits.

Reproduction

Details specific to the reproduction of Osmia pumila are not provided, but females typically construct nests in pre-existing cavities and provision them with pollen and nectar for their larvae.

Ecosystem Role

As a pollinator, Osmia pumila plays a crucial role in the reproduction of flowering plants and contributes to the ecological balance.

Economic Impact

Contributes to agriculture through pollination; specific economic impacts are not detailed.

Tags

  • Osmia pumila
  • bee
  • Megachilidae
  • pollinator
  • North America