Discover
Identify
Record
Spined Mason Bee - Osmia spinulosa
The taxonomy of Osmia spinulosa has been the subject of considerable debate. Recent genetic work carried out in Switzerland by Mueller, shows that this taxon should correctly be placed within the genus Osmia rather than left within Hoplitis.
R
It is found in a range of open neutral or calcareous grassland habitats, provided that there are plenty of Asteraceae flowering and a degree of litter build-up around tussocks. This is where the snails, whose shells provide the nest site, live out their lives. Hay-cut and hard-grazed grasslands are not suitable for this bee.
From mid May to late September.
Nests are made within medium sized old snail shells, such as those of Cepea nemoralis. The cells are made within the spiral from chewed plant material.
Widespread mainly south of a line from The Wash through to South Wales, although not always frequently found even in these areas.
Rare or under recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland. The record from Ketton Quarry on 19th Aug 2015 is believed to be the first for VC55.
Leicestershire & Rutland Map
Enter a town or village to see local records
MAP KEY:
Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015
UK Map
Species profile
- Common names
- Spined Mason Bee
- Species group:
- Bees, Wasps, Ants
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
- Order:
- Hymenoptera
- Family:
- Megachilidae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 2
- First record:
- 19/08/2015 (Woodward, Steve)
- Last record:
- 21/06/2019 (Berriman, Matthew)
Total records by month
% of records within its species group
10km squares with records
The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.
In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.