European Orchard Bee (Mason Bee)

Orchards, gardens, and meadows with nesting sites in hollow reeds or wood

Floral nectar and pollen, primarily from fruit trees and spring flowers

Solitary bee that nests in pre-existing cavities; females are active in early spring and are efficient pollinators

Extremely beneficial as a high-yield pollinator for early crops; very low risk to humans as they are non-aggressive and lack a defensive hive instinct to defend a defendable hive