Orchard-pollinator
Guides
Eupithecia lachrymosa
Lachrymose Pug Moth
Eupithecia lachrymosa is a small geometrid moth in the pug moth group, described by George Duryea Hulst in 1900. It occurs across western North America from central Saskatchewan to southern California. The species has been documented visiting apple flowers at night, contributing to nocturnal pollination services in agricultural settings.
Eupithecia subapicata
Pug moth
Eupithecia subapicata is a small geometrid moth in the family Geometridae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1857. It is native to the western United States, ranging from California through Oregon to Washington. The species is characterized by narrow wings and a distinctive resting posture typical of pug moths. Adults have been recorded on wing from January through July, with a wingspan of approximately 22–26 mm.
Osmia cornifrons
Horn-faced Mason Bee, Horned-face Bee
Osmia cornifrons is a solitary mason bee native to Northern Asia, widely managed as an agricultural pollinator. The species was first introduced to Japan in the 1940s for apple pollination and subsequently to the northeastern United States in 1977. It is recognized by distinctive horn-like projections on the lower face of females. The bee exhibits protandry, with males emerging 2–3 days before females. It has been documented as established in Canada since at least 2017. Populations remain stable and have not shown rapid expansion compared to the accidentally introduced congener O. taurus.
Osmia lignaria lignaria
Eastern Blue Orchard Bee
Osmia lignaria lignaria is the eastern subspecies of the blue orchard bee, a solitary mason bee native to North America. It is a managed pollinator prized for its efficiency in pollinating early spring-blooming fruit trees including almonds, apples, pears, and cherries. The bee nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems and beetle holes, sealing nest entrances with mud. It has experienced population declines in the eastern United States, with research ongoing into competition with non-native Osmia species and vulnerability to pesticides and parasites.