Osmia cornuta
A solitary wild bee ![🐝](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1f/1/16/1f41d.png)
![🌸](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf0/1/16/1f338.png)
![🐝](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1f/1/16/1f41d.png)
![🌸](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf0/1/16/1f338.png)
Osmia cornuta belongs to the Megachilidae family and is one of the most common species of wild bees in Europe. It’s a solitary bee that doesn’t form colonies and doesn’t produce honey. Each female lays her own eggs.
It has thick hair and a black-rust coloration.
It plays a vital role in pollinating many types of fruit trees ![🌸](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf0/1/16/1f338.png)
because it’s one of the first bees to become active, often starting in early March.
![🌸](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf0/1/16/1f338.png)
![🌳](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6b/1/16/1f333.png)
![⁉️](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tec/1/16/2049.png)
![😲](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tad/1/16/1f632.png)
Osmia cornuta nests in holes in wood and walls, using dry stems as well. It can even nest in snail shells
. Its gallery nest can accommodate up to 15 eggs, arranged in cells in a row, and can be reused for years.
![🐌](https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tff/1/16/1f40c.png)
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Photo Pixabay
![371954119_627227909500792_1371817396971068909_n](https://mizar.unive.it/lifepollinaction.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/371954119_627227909500792_1371817396971068909_n.jpg)