mason bee

American  

noun

1. any of numerous solitary bees, as of the family Megachilidae, that construct nests of clay.

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mason bee British  

noun

1. any bee of the family Megachilidae that builds a hard domelike nest of sand, clay, etc, held together with saliva

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Etymology

Origin of mason bee

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

For years, I’ve had a Mason bee “hotel” in the garden, a simple box filled with hollow bamboo tubes to provide nesting space.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

Many local nurseries carry Mason bee nesting supplies.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

For a deep dive into more information, visit crownbees.com, a local resource committed to the health of regional Mason bee populations, and educating gardeners and farmers who want to support this fascinating insect.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

Solitary by nature, each female Mason bee forages for food, prepares a nesting environment and lays eggs all on her own.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 18, 2023

In short, the mother is absolutely incapable of settling her eggs in the chamber of the Mason bee.

From The Life of the fly; with which are interspersed some chapters of autobiography by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander